The Department of Health is currently engaged in a detailed process to determine what type of home care scheme is best for Ireland, in relation to both regulation and funding.
An important step in this process is a public consultation process which I will be launching at the end of May. The purpose of this consultation is to allow all those who have views on this topic to have their say, including older people themselves, their families, and healthcare workers.
In relation to the share the care campaign, the Department recognises the important role played by Family Carers Ireland in raising awareness of the challenges faced by carers and liaises on an ongoing basis with the Group.
Senior staff from the Department and the HSE addressed and held discussions with carers’ representatives at the Annual Carers' forum, hosted by the Department of Social Protection on 25 April.