Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 5

Written Answers. - Home Help Service.

Michael Ring

Question:

294 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether it is reasonable to expect a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to wait two months for home help; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26646/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Callely)

Responsibility for the provision of health services in the Mayo area rests with the Western Health Board. My Department has made inquiries of the board concerning the matter raised by the Deputy and has been informed that an assessment was carried out by a public health nurse regarding the person in question, the result of which was received in the board's home help department on 22 October.

The applicant lives with her granddaughter and family and was deemed to be of low dependency. The request for home help was made in order to enable the applicant's granddaughter to have a break. My Department has been advised that the applicant is independent and attends day care weekly. It was agreed, at the time, by the local home help committee and the public health nurse, that the applicant's case was not a priority and she was subsequently placed on a waiting list for home help. It was further agreed that the public health nurse would monitor the case and advise the home help section if there was any significant change in the applicant's circumstances. The board has also informed my Department that this case will be reviewed in January 2003.