Vol. 486 No. 2
83 Mrs. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the role of the home help service; its future development; the standardisation of working conditions and pay rates commensurate with the essential service provided; the proposals, if any, he has for putting the service on a statutory footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2142/98]
The valuable role which is played by home helps in the overall care of older people in this country is widely recognised. My Department has arranged to have an examination of the home help services carried out by an independent body, under the supervision of the National Council on Ageing and Older People, to advise on how the services can be developed in a cost-effective way in tandem with the other community based services. I expect work to be completed on this review by early summer. When I receive the report, I will be in a better position to consider how best to bring about improvements in the overall organisation and development of the home help service.
