As the Deputy is aware an investment package of an additional €150m is been put in place for Services for Older People and Palliative Care for 2006 and 2007, of which €55m was allocated to Home Care Packages. This is a full year cost, €30m of which is for 2006, during which an additional 2,000 packages will be provided by the Health Service Executive across the country. The provision of home care packages has not been suspended.
With regard to the Deputy's specific question regarding the delivery of this service, the Deputy will be aware that the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which has responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of Home Care Packages. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.