Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

An investment package of €150 million has been put in place for 2006 and 2007. This is the largest ever increase in funding for services for older people and the package has a strong focus on community based supports. Of that investment package, an additional €33 million full year cost was allocated to the home help programme. This represents a significant increase over the Estimates provision of €112 million for 2005.

This development funding will enable the HSE to provide an additional 1.75 million hours nationally in 2006. The additional resource will further enhance the service and facilitate the expressed wish of many more older people to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible. It should be noted that €55 million was also allocated towards the provision of home care packages, 1,100 of which are provided at present and an extra 2,000 of which will be provided during this year. These comprehensive packages, which include co-ordinated and integrated care provided by nurses, home care attendants and therapy services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, may also include an element of home help services.

The funding outlined was provided to the HSE on a national basis. The HSE is responsible for the delivery of the home help service across the country and also for the training of home help staff. The HSE has informed the Department that training programmes have been developed to ensure home helps receive appropriate training and these training programmes have been rolled out in the HSE over the last number of years. These programmes will continue in 2006 to improve skill levels of home helps. In addition, home helps also receive regular, on the job training in conjunction with other health professionals.

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