Vol. 568 No. 1
522 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the support and training programmes his Department provides for carers; the funding available in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15385/03]
Considerable progress has been made in recent years in improving the situation of informal family carers. My Department, in recognition of the valuable service rendered by them, has 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 provision of a respite grant and/or assistance in the home – nurse, care attendants or home help. The amounts so provided were €1.27 million in 1999, €1.27 million in 2000, €2.54 million in 2001 and €1.03 million in 2002, totalling over €6 million in the period 1999-2002. This funding also covers the cost of training programmes.
My Department also provides separate financial assistance to the Carers' Association by way of core funding which, in 2003, will amount to approximately €710,000. A proportion of this provides support to carers, including training programmes.
