Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has plans to provide respite to carers on one night at the home basis to allow carers the opportunity to partake in activities outside the house that is important to the carer's quality of life; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31961/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. 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.

Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if concerns have been raised with her regarding the home care package and the fact that implementing this policy may be too restrictive for carers who are concerned that they are receiving a one size fits all; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31962/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. 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.

Home care packages deliver a wide range of services and may vary according to the care needs of the person. The priority is older people living in the community or those who are inpatients in an acute hospital and who may otherwise require admission to long term care. The home care packages are also available to those older people who have been admitted to long term care and who now wish to return to the community.

The packages are delivered through the HSE, by a range of providers including the Health Service Executive itself, voluntary groups and the private sector. The scheme is intended to be as flexible as possible and highly responsive to the real needs of the individual.