Vol. 510 No. 5
59 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will introduce a comprehensive programme for respite care which will provide for a guaranteed entitlement of minimum respite periods for all qualifying carers. [18896/99]
Government policy in relation to the care of older people is to maintain them in their own homes for as long as possible and I am very much aware that the role played by carers is vital to the success of this policy. In recognition of the contribution made by carers a sum of £1 million was allocated to health boards in 1999, specifically for the support of carers. This fund can be used for the benefit of carers in a flexible manner based on local needs. The improvement of liaison and support for individual carers and voluntary groups who promote the interests of carers are examples of the type of support envisaged. I have also provided core funding of £170,000 for the Carers Association in 1999. A further £800,000 was provided in 1999 to enable more home helps, paramedical and nursing staff to be recruited for the home care of older people which, in turn, also assisted carers.
The Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs also took measures earlier this year to improve assistance to carers through the carer's allowance. He increased by £6 the carer's allowance for carer's aged 66 years and over and by £3 the allowance for carers under 66 years. There was also a once-a-year payment of £200 towards the cost of respite care.
I am committed to providing more day care centres, short-term and holiday relief care, night-sitting, which would free the carer for a number of hours, and domiciliary relief care. I accept that there is some distance to go in developing such a network and it is my intention to develop a comprehensive range of services both institutional and community based for older people, including specialist geriatric units, extended care, home nursing, home helps, paramedical services, day care and respite care on a phased basis over the next few years.
