Vol. 522 No. 3
15 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the needs assessment committee on carers has not met for more than seven months; and if he will introduce proposals to provide adequate supports for carers including respite, carer's health and cost of caring needs. [15046/00]
Following a number of meetings of the working group on needs assessment for carers and care recipients, it was decided to establish a pilot project with the objective of developing a practical instrument which would enable the needs of carers and persons being cared for to be assessed. This pilot project was run in the Western Health Board area and has recently been completed. The results of this project are being presented to the working group at a meeting due to take place today and will then be considered by my Department.
Since 1999, additional resources have been specifically earmarked for the support of carers through the provision of additional respite services, training for carers, the establishment of carer support groups, the appointment of co-ordinators of services for carers and the provision of assistance to voluntary groups who represent the interests of carers. I might add that older people and their carers are also benefiting from the significant additional funding which has been directed by this Government in recent years towards the improvement of residential and community support services for older people.
