Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 138: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has made changes in terms and conditions under which home care package can be obtained in the 2006 Estimates; the terms which will apply in 2006; and if the scheme will be subject to a ceiling on the number of participants. [36050/05]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has made changes in the terms and conditions under which home help will be made available in the 2006 Estimates; the provisions which will apply in 2006. [36051/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.

Provision of home help and home care packages are an operational matter for the Health Service Executive. The level and volume of services to be provided in 2006 will be set out by the executive in its service plan for 2006. This will be framed in accordance with the resources available to the executive for 2006. The report of the long-term care working group, established earlier this year by the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, may also inform this process. The report will be submitted to the Government shortly.