Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to vet home helps; her plans to introduce a system of training, regulation or supervision of home helps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40006/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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At present Home Helps employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) are subject to Garda vetting. The HSE is currently reviewing all aspects of its Garda vetting requirements. The National Garda Vetting Unit is also in the process of extending Garda vetting to other areas in the voluntary sector on a phased basis.

The HSE recognises and acknowledges the important services provided by personnel working throughout the home help service nationally and is committed to reviewing the existing models of services provided with a view to establishing a standardised high quality service that will benefit both clientele and staff. In order to give effect to this commitment a High Level Group, comprising of representatives from the Health Service Executive (HSE), IMPACT and SIPTU was established in March 2006. The High Level Group continues to work towards agreeing a single model of service delivery that will provide a standardised and high quality home help service.