Vol. 543 No. 1
186 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has specific proposals to help carers who may have difficulty caring for a relative without outside help; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25814/01]
In recognition of the valuable service rendered by informal family carers, I have made, for the first time ever, financial allocations to the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority, for the purpose of supplying specific help to such carers by way of respite and assistance in the home. I hope to continue this initiative in future years. The amount so provided now stands at £4 million, 5.08 million, per annum.
I also provide funding of £450,000 (571,500) per annum to the Carers' Association which was established to support informal family carers.
