Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2017
385. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the expected budget increase for home help services nationally for the year 2018; if an increase in this budget will result in more positions available for qualified personnel to work in home help services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49218/17]
View answerIn budget 2018 a further €37 million has been made available for older people services, comprising €5m funding in 2017 and €32 million next year, to further strengthen supports for older people, particularly to facilitate speedier discharge from acute hospitals over the winter period. A significant proportion of this additional funding will go towards home care services. The Department is working with the HSE to prepare the 2018 National Service Plan. Pending agreement of the Plan I am not in a position to comment either on the funding that will be made available for dementia care or the specific services that will be provided.
