Ivor Callely
Question:141 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the supports in place for carers in communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31359/01]
Written Answers. - Community Care.
In recognition of the valuable service rendered by informal family carers, I have made available additional 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 amounts so provided were £1 million (1.27 million) for 1999, £1 million (1.27 million) for 2000 and £2 million (2.54 million) for 2001. Additional funding of £0.812 million (1.03 million) will be provided in 2002.
Additional funding amounting to £5.928 million (7.527 million) has been allocated for home help development in the period 1999-2002, inclusive, and £9.287 million (11.79 million) has been allocated, in respect of the same period, for community supports. Both of these provisions substantially improve the position of carers. I also provide core funding of £465,000 (571,500) per annum to the Carers' Association which was established to support informal family carers. I should add that many of the initiatives that are set out in the recently launched health strategy will ease the burden of informal family carers and I mention, in particular the provision of greatly increased numbers of respite and day care places.