Ivor Callely
Question:60 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the training, counselling and other supports available in relation to the carer's allowance. [14411/99]
Written Answers. - Carer's Allowance.
Not all carers are in receipt of the carer's allowance from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs. While I am not aware of any formal schemes for the training or counselling of carers, carers are supported by a range of health professionals including general practitioners and public health nurses and through the availability of services such as home helps, meals on wheels, day care and respite care.
In recognition of the special position of carers I have this year, for the first time, made specific funding of £1 million available to the health boards to help carers. This funding is to be administered in a flexible manner and could include training and counselling, if required. I should also point out that my Department gives financial support each year to the Carers Association.