Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:132 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the timetable for the completion of the work of the working group on carers' needs assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20098/01]
Written Answers. - Carers' Needs Assessment.
As the Deputy will be aware, a pilot project on needs assessment for carers and the people they care for was carried out in County Mayo. The results are now to hand and will be considered at the next meeting of the working group with a view to what the next step might be. It should be pointed out that, since the working group was established, ongoing revenue funding – currently £4 million per annum – is being provided by my Department to the health boards for the express purpose of providing assistance to carers.