Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 196: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for improved respite care here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28910/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government is very conscious of the changing demographic profile of our population, with more people living longer lives and the consequential greater demand for services, both community-based and residential. The Mercer report on the future financing of long-term care in Ireland, which was commissioned by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, examined all issues surrounding the financing of long-term care. Following on the publication of this report, a working group chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and comprising senior officials from the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Social and Family Affairs has been established.

The objective of this group is to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care for older people, including respite care, taking account of the Mercer report, the views of the consultation that was undertaken on that report and the review of the nursing home subvention scheme by Professor Eamon O'Shea. This group will be shortly reporting to the Tánaiste and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan.