Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Home Help Service.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1003 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that cost constraints have led to a severe cutting of services for the elderly in relation to home help services in the SWAHB; if he will sanction additional funding for this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21185/03]

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

The level of funding used for the home help service is determined by each health board and the Eastern Regional Authority from within its own overall financial determination. In addition, my Department has allocated, from time to time, specific additional funding to improve the level of home help service provided and, also, the pay of home helps.

My Department has been advised by the South-Western Area Health Board that it is not providing the same number of home help hours in 2003 that it did in 2002. This is because the board exceeded its planned expenditure on the home help service in 2002, and must therefore adjust downwards in 2003, but to a figure which will not be less than the expenditure level for 2001.

Question No. 1004 answered with Question No. 798.