Mr. Sean Dillon:

We interact with the HSE in advance of launches where it has recently started sounding us out on our opinions. There is a difference between home help and home care packages. The home care service is called enhanced home care because it is a far higher dependency type service. Personal care enters the equation.

That service was tendered and at least it introduced an element of regulation and standards to the home help service.

The difference between home help and home care packages is causing some of the problems. Ultimately all these things should be based on need and the assessment of need. A standardised needs assessment would allow for a determination of the nature of the care plan required. The HSE has a pilot project for single assessment. This is behind schedule. However, it will mean that whether a person is in Donegal or west Clare, south Cork or Dublin, the same assessment of the individual's care needs will apply. This should at least begin the process of standardisation of the delivery of care.

Deputy Catherine Byrne asked about a review of the home help service. Our concern is for the person who receives the service and we will wholeheartedly support anything that improves it. However, instead of the review to determine the problems, we note that the service is cut in advance of any review. The demand far exceeds the supply. I suggest we should see how the service can be improved rather than cutting the supply in the face of increased demand.