Joe Walsh
Ceist:155 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of families availing of the home help scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24648/96]
Written Answers. - Home Help Scheme.
Máirín Quill
Ceist:163 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to extend the home help service provided to the elderly and disabled. [24706/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 163 together. Details of the number of families availing of the home help scheme, as on 15 December, 1996 in each of the health boards are set out in the following table.
Number of Families availing of the Home Help Scheme (as on 15 December, 1996)
|
Health Board |
Number of Families |
|
Eastern |
440 |
|
Southern |
153 |
|
Western |
114 |
|
South-Eastern |
86 |
|
North-Eastern |
79 |
|
North-Western |
74 |
|
Mid-Western |
64 |
|
Midland |
30 |
|
Total |
1,040 |
As the Deputy may be aware, I have decided to have an examination of all aspects of the home help service carried out by an independent body which will advise on measures to ensure the equity and high quality of the service in respect of providers and recipients.
I am pleased to say that my Department is examining tenders for this review and it is expected that the review should be completed within three to four months.