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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 6

Written Answers. - Home Help Service.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

304 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the severe shortage of persons available for the home help service; his views on the serious implications of this for community care services for the elderly; if he has considered the fact that the introduction of the minimum wage will result in staff working fewer hours in order to keep within £70 per week social welfare means limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9045/00]

I am very conscious of the important role of home helps in supporting older people and other citizens in their homes. I have been concerned at the level of payment for home helps which, if not dealt with, could have given rise to difficulties in attracting people to undertake this very important work. Consequently, resources have been made available to improve the rate of pay of home helps which will be increased to £4.40 per hour with effect from 1 April 2000.

I would also like to draw the Deputy's attention to the new measures introduced by the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs to coincide with the introduction of the minimum wage. These measures include an improvement in tapered withdrawal arrangements for claimants of certain welfare payments engaged in employment, including employment as a home help.

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