Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 115: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the elements of the home care package for the elderly which will be in place in 2006; the body that will deliver the services; the way in which it is intended to ensure equality of service nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8592/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, additional funding of €150 million has been allocated in budget 2006 for services for older people and palliative care, €110 million of which is to be invested in 2006 and €40 million in 2007. Approximately two thirds of this money, €109 million, has been allocated to meet the full-year cost of community support for older people. Well funded and viable alternatives to long-term residential care will be developed in the form of home care packages, additional home help hours and other supports.

Of this investment package, €55 million has been allocated for the provision of home care packages. This is a full-year cost, with the figure for 2006 being €30 million, and will provide 2,000 additional packages by the end of this year. Approximately 1,100 home care packages are being provided at present and the increase will triple the service provision. The packages are delivered through the HSE by a range of providers including the executive, voluntary groups and the private sector.

With regard to the Deputy's specific question regarding the delivery of these services, the Deputy will be aware that the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which has responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of home care packages. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.