John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 269: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to increase the rates of pay for home subvention to care for the elderly in view of the fact that they are not entitled to holiday pay and sick benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15359/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to human resource management within the Health Service Executive. As this is a matter for the executive under the Health Act 2004, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have it investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

A comprehensive collective agreement between health employers and SIPTU was finalised in 2000 regarding the terms and conditions for employment of home helps. This agreement provided for a significant improvement in the pay and conditions of employment for home helps. Home helps are paid in accordance with the agreed pay scale, €25,590 to €28,451 per annum, or pro rata thereof for part-time staff. Home helps receive the benefits of all social partnership pay increases together with special increases under benchmarking. In addition, home helps receive the same benefits as all other staff in the health services which include premia pay, paid annual leave and paid sick leave.

I am aware that a high level group has been established, with representatives from the Health Service Executive and staff representatives from SIPTU and IMPACT, to address issues pertaining to the standardisation of home help services. The group held its first meeting on 23 March last and further meetings are scheduled. An additional €33 million full year cost was allocated to the home help programme in budget 2006, €30 million of which will be for 2006 with the remaining €3 million for 2007, which will enable the Health Service Executive to provide an additional 1.75 million hours nationally in 2006. The additional resource will further enhance the service and facilitate the expressed wish of many more older people to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible.