Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

First, as I have indicated to the House, primary legislation is required and is intended to be brought forward for the introduction of a statutory regulation system, which is, of course, the most secure and best way to address the reasonable issues the Deputy raises concerning a regulation system for home care services. The programme for Government gave that commitment. I do not for a moment want to downplay the importance of the issue the Deputy raises because it is of huge importance to individuals and their families, as the Deputy rightly said. Nonetheless, the Deputy will be aware there is quite a volume of legislation being addressed within the Department of Health at this time. We are looking at the licensing of public and private health service providers as a broad piece of work. Legislation that is needed in regard to home care and home help is being brought forward and developed in that broader context of the licensing process.

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