Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
708. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if provision will be made for apprenticeships, on-the-job training, or earn-as-you-learn schemes within the forthcoming Health (Amendment) (Licensing of Professional Home Support Providers) Bill 2022; if he supports such a move as a means to help alleviate the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis within the homecare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49889/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister for Mental Health and Older People, I established a cross-Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group (SWAG) to examine current challenges associated with the recruitment and retention of home support workers and front-line carers in nursing homes. In recognition of the need for whole-of-government solutions to these challenges, the membership of the Group encompasses representation from seven Government departments.
An evidence review and targeted consultations has helped identify a list of recommendations which will be included in a report. These recommendations will also help inform the development of the Health (Amendment) (Licensing of Professional Home Support Providers) Bill 2022.
Since March 2022, the Group has convened six times and has examined issues such as training, career-development, and pay and conditions as well as recruitment and retention. Alongside this, the Group undertook a structured programme of stakeholder-engagement to gain insight into the challenges arising from the perspective of key sectoral groups.
The report of the Group, which outlines their key findings and suite of recommendations, is currently being finalised prior to submission to me for my consideration.
