Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
344. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to develop and deliver a carers guarantee proposal that will provide a core basket of services to carers across the country, regardless of where they live, across each of the CHO areas since the establishment of the current Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33318/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to delivering a ‘Carers Guarantee’ to provide a core basket of services to carers across the country, regardless of where they live.
New funding of €2 million was provided in Budget 2021 under the National Carers' Strategy with a view to improving equity of access to supports for carers across the country. This funding is being provided on an ongoing basis and contributes substantially towards delivering the Carers’ Guarantee, providing a more standard package of supports to family carers in every region, in tandem with the community and voluntary sector. €1.9 million of this funding is being channelled through Family Carers Ireland, while the remaining €100,000 is supporting the development and delivery of online supports for family carers through Care Alliance Ireland by means of an online support group. Both organisations have a service level arrangement with the HSE for the delivery of the support services associated with the carers' guarantee funding.
The €1.9m allocation to Family Carers Ireland aims to enhance carer wellbeing and quality of life by improving access to carer supports across the country. The funding is extending services to approximately 5,000 additional family carers through a mixture of individual and community support services. Family Carers Ireland is delivering these supports through its network of Support Hubs countrywide using a three-tier public health model of carer support: universal access supports, targeted community supports, and intensive supports.
Care Alliance Ireland is using its €0.1 million allocation to provide a professionally moderated online support group for family carers. The group is supported by a team of experienced volunteers and focuses on improving carer wellbeing and reducing isolation and loneliness, as well as signposting to carer support services.
