Ivor Callely
Question:18 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the role of carers and home helps; the effect and potential these schemes play in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18900/99]
Written Answers. - Care of the Elderly.
Government policy in relation to the care of older people is to maintain them in their own homes for as long as possible. I am very much aware that the role played by carers and home helps is vital to the success of this policy. In recognition of this, I allocated funding this year as follows: £3 million was allocated to health boards to bring the minimum rate of payment for all home helps up to £3.00 per hour from 1 April 1999. This is part of a phased improvement in the rate of pay for home helps, the next phase of which I hope to implement in the year 2000; a sum of £1.5 million was allocated to extend the coverage of home help service by providing more hours and to provide training courses for home helps; a sum of £1 million was allocated to health boards, specifically for the support of carers. This fund can be used for the benefit of carers in a flexible manner, based on local needs. The improvement of liaison and support for individual carers and voluntary groups who promote the interests of carers are examples of the type of support envisaged; I provided core funding of £170,000 to the Carers Association in 1999; I allocated £800,000 to enable more paramedical and nursing staff to be recruited for the home care of older people which, in turn, also assisted carers.
The Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs also took measures earlier this year to improve assistance to carers through the carers allowance. He increased by £6 the carers allowance for carers over 66 years and by £3 the allowance for carers under 66 years. There was also a once-a-year payment of £200 towards the cost of respite care.