Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 5

Ceisteanna — Questions Written Answers. - Home Help Facility.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

29 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health if she will amend the regulations governing home helps to allow the provision of this facility on the basis of medical need rather than by means testing; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mrs. O'Rourke)

Under section 61 of the Health Act, 1970, health boards may make arrangements to assist in the maintenance at home of persons who, but for the provision of such a service would require to be maintained otherwise than at home. This section empowers health boards to provide support services such as home help, laundry and meals.

Health boards are not limited in the category of persons they can assist at home and may charge for the service. The health boards consider individual cases on the basis of need and in the light of resources available to the scheme. About half of the home helps are provided by voluntary organisations with funding from health boards, while the remainder are employed directly by the boards.

I would like to assure the Deputy that no individual in need of a home help service would be refused a home help on the basis of his/her means. However, while a medical card holder would be exempt from charges for the service, people of certain means would be expected to contribute a small amount.

If the Deputy has a specific case in mind, I would be glad to take the details and have the matter examined by my Department.