Brian O'Shea
Ceist:334 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will publish the guidelines for the employment of persons to act as home helps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8412/02]
Written Answers. - Home Help Service.
There are no national guidelines for the employment of persons to act as home helps. Each health board sets its own guidelines, and these are common throughout the country. In terms of guidelines for working conditions for home helps, the Part-Time Home Helps Agreement, 2000, sets these out under the following headings: annual leave and public holidays; travel expenses; premium payments; rates of pay; recruitment arrangements; training and induction; assessment of need and hours of work; duties; and reporting relationships and supervisory structures. A copy of this agreement was issued to each health board in October 2000.