Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 352: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there is a limit on the appointment of whole-time equivalent health staff as home help assistants in the various Health Service Executive regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1334/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department has not imposed limits on the recruitment of home help assistants. It is a matter for the Health Service Executive to determine the appropriate staffing mix required to deliver its service plan priorities in line with public sector pay and employment policies.

The Deputy should also note that my Department has allocated an additional €30 million to the home help service in 2006, which will allow for the development of the service and the provision of an additional 1.6 million home help hours.