Vol. 492 No. 1
151 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the submissions, if any, he has received from the Southern Health Board regarding the rate of pay for home-helps; and if he will make a statement on the recent disruption of a Southern Health Board meeting by protesting home-helps who are seeking an increase in their level of pay. [13589/98]
The issue of rates of pay for home-helps in the Southern Health Board area is a matter, in the first instance, for the board. The board has advised me that it will increase the rate of pay to £2.00 per hour from 1 July 1998.
I am also advised by the board that the issue of payment to home-helps was raised at a meeting of the board on 2 June last by a group representing home helps. I understand the board members agreed to suspend standing orders to hear a deputation from the group. Subsequently, the representatives of home-helps disrupted the business of the meeting which was then adjourned by the chairman. The board reports that it regrets this action by the individuals concerned.
My Department has arranged to have an examination of the home-help services carried out by an independent body under the supervision of the National Council on Ageing and Older People to advise on how the services can be developed in a cost effective way in tandem with the other community based services. I expect work on this review to be completed shortly. When I have received the report I will be in a better position to consider how best to bring about improvements in the overall organisation and development of the home-help service.
