Brendan Smith
Ceist:28 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to improve the home help service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8142/97]
Written Answers. - Home Help Service.
Limerick East): In response to previous questions raised in the House on this issue I stated that the Department, in consultation with the chief executive officers of the health boards, has under active consideration a number of aspects of the home help scheme, including the overall organisation of the service and the diversity of arrangements which exist within the health boards for the provision of this service.
Following on from these discussions, my Department decided to have an examination of the operation of the home help services carried out by an independent body which will advise on how the services carried out by an independent body can be developed in a cost effective way in tandem with the other community based services. Following receipt of tenders for this review, the contract has been awarded and the work will commence shortly. It is expected that the review will be completed before the end of the year.