Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1894. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health when the cross-Departmental workforce advisory committee considering a reformed model of homecare support will meet; the scheduled meetings of the committee; the agenda of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2315/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1895. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the details of the engagements with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the workforce challenges in home support and nursing homes; the options considered; the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2316/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1894 and 1895 together.
I am engaged with stakeholders in home support and nursing homes on issues of recruitment and retention, with multiple meetings held with such groups in recent months.
Work is also ongoing within the Department to progress the establishment of a Cross Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group which will be set up as a priority in early 2022.
The Department is completing a short-life scoping exercise which is currently underway. A ‘call for submissions’ issued to relevant national stakeholders in early December, with a closing date for receipt of submissions on 7th January 2022.
This is a critical first step to set out current challenges and to gather initial data and evidence to support the scoping, nature, and extent of the challenges, in advance of the Department bringing relevant stakeholders together in a structured process.
The role of the group will be to facilitate the views of stakeholders and examine any strategic workforce challenges in front-line carer roles in home support and nursing homes. Potential areas to be considered include recruitment, retention, training, and the career development of front-line carers in home support and nursing homes into the future. Subject to the scoping exercise, it is expected that the pay and conditions for these workers, will also likely be considered.
The Department’s project team will consider the submissions received which will inform the next steps, including membership of the Group, consultation with Government Departments and arrangements for meetings.
