asked the Minister for Health whether any decision has yet been taken following the recent discussions between his Department and the Dublin Health Authority on the provision of home help for aged people in the Dublin area; and if he will state the districts for which such help will be provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home Help for Aged Persons.
46.
Mr. O'Leary
Mr. O'Malley
No discussions have taken place between my Department and the Dublin Health Authority regarding the provision of a home help service for the aged.
I understand, however, that the Interdepartmental Committee which is examining the services for the aged and which will recommend measures to achieve the optimum co-ordination between the public and voluntary services available, recently met representatives of the Dublin Council for the Aged.
The Deputy will be aware from the White Paper on the Health Services and their Further Development that I fully appreciate the need for a home help service, as an ancillary to the district nursing service, particularly for old people and the chronically sick. There is, however, no provision for such a service in existing health legislation but it is proposed to make provision for it.
I have already approved of the making of grants by several health authorities, including Dublin Health Authority, to voluntary organisations providing services for the aged which include, in addition to recognised health services, other services which are not at present so recognised, including home helps.
Mr. O'Leary
Is the Minister aware that over large districts of Dublin old people live in complete isolation? The Minister may be aware that several deaths have occurred, especially during the winter, of people who live alone. Nobody seems to be in contact with them.
Mr. O'Malley
I am aware of some of the problems set out by the Deputy.
Mr. O'Leary
Does the Minister think we could have action any sooner than the improvement envisaged by the White Paper? Can the Minister suggest any crash programme in the meantime?
Mr. O'Malley
We are doing the best we can and as quickly as possible.
Would the Minister state the total amount of money made available by the Dublin Health Authority by way of grant to these voluntary organisations?
Mr. O'Malley
I have not that figure here. If the Deputy will put down a question, I shall have the answer for him.