Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy has raised a number of issues, but it is a bit of a joke to talk about contradictions in the recent budget. We announced a package of €150 million in the budget for services for older people, including a number of community supports vital to maintaining people in their own homes and communities, which is the expressed wish of the majority of older people. The Deputy may be as critical as he likes of the past, but we have made a major effort to improve and build on the community support structure in place.

With regard to the content of the various courses undertaken by the HSE, I will have the issue examined and come back to the Deputy on it. The HSE attaches great importance to providing adequate training to people who intend to become involved in the provision of home help. The private sector has become increasingly involved in the provision of home help throughout the country and it too attaches great importance to the training of people before taking up employment. I will check on the content of courses to ensure there is adequate provision. I am happy with the response we have received from the HSE in that regard, but I will seek further information and come back to the Deputy on the matter.

The issue of VAT has been raised by a number of providers. The matter is being investigated and we have taken it up with the Minister for Finance. We realise the difficulties VAT creates and will clarify the matter. This is not something on which I can make a decision, but I will come back to the Deputy on the issue as soon as I have definitive news.

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