Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 April 2017
262. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to put the home care or home help scheme and the provision of home care packages on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18979/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is Government policy to promote care in the community for older people so that they can continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible.
The only statutory scheme in place at present to support older people is the Nursing Home Support Scheme, commonly known as the ‘A Fair Deal’ . This Government is committed to establishing a new statutory home care scheme and my Department is progressing this issue.
The development of a new home care scheme is a complex undertaking, one which will involve very significant legislative, operational and financial resources. A significant amount of detailed preparation needs to be undertaken before final decisions are made on the form of a home care scheme and the regulation of these services. This is required if reforms are to be successful, affordable and sustainable.
The Health Research Board was commissioned by my Department to review approaches to the regulation and financing of home care services in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Scotland. This evidence review was published on 11 April 2017 and is an important step in the process to determine what type of home care scheme is best for Ireland in relation to both regulation and funding.
A consultation process, which is planned for the end of May, will allow all those who have views on this topic to have their say, including older people themselves, their families and health care workers.
