Vol. 494 No. 6
51 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to provide back-up and support services for carers in the context of the forthcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18840/98]
I fully acknowledge the major commitment which carers make to supporting dependent people in their homes. The responsibility of the health services in relation to carers lies in the provision of community support services and particularly respite care. Since the Government has been in office, we have more than doubled the amount of capital funding available for services for older people which will allow additional respite and day care facilities to be put in place throughout the country. The importance of the home help, paramedical and community nursing service as well as specific support for carers have been identified as priorities and it is my intention to make progress in these areas as resources permit.
