Care Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Questions (1377, 1380)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

1377. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his plans to undertake an audit of respite services to identify gaps in existing service levels and to assess current and future need for these services; his plans to provide increased access to planned respite breaks for dependents of full time carers, development of flexible in home respite services for carers and dependents with no access to residential respite services; his further plans to provide additional emergency respite beds when carers are unable to carry out their duties on a short time basis, for example when a carer takes ill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37623/13]

Michael McCarthy

Question:

1380. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his views on providing a training plan or courses for family carers similar to those provided to health care professionals in the practicalities of care such as patient moving and handling, the use of aids and appliances, nutrition and personal care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37626/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1377 and 1380 together.

The National Carers’ Strategy, which was published in July 2012, is a cross-departmental strategy that sets the strategic direction for future policies, services and supports provided by Government Departments and agencies for carers.

It is an objective of this Strategy to provide relevant and accessible carer training opportunities for carers.

It is also an objective to enable carers to have access to respite breaks. A supporting action under this specific objective is to identify gaps in existing services and establish performance indicators for the provision of respite services, the timeline for which is 2013/2014.

The operational delivery of these objectives falls within the remit of the HSE and the more specific issues raised by the Deputy have accordingly been referred to the Executive for direct reply to him.