Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 121: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the increase in the subvention payment for home care will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2652/07]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I take it the question refers to the Home Care Package Scheme. All Home Care Packages are tailored to the needs of the individual applicant. The decision to allocate a Home Care Package is based on the assessment of needs of the individual and the identification of any assessed needs which are not being met by mainstream services together with consideration of the appropriateness of care in the community in the individual case.

Additional funding of €55 million was allocated to the Home Care Package Scheme, for 2007, which will benefit some 4,000 people. This is in addition to the €55m (full year cost) that was provided for the Scheme in Budget 2006. In 2006 a total of 2,000 extra packages were provided.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 122: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there are to be changes in the conditions or rates of the domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2653/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As a result of Budget 2007 the rates of payment of all disability related allowances under the remit of my Department were increased. This includes Domiciliary Care Allowance. The rate of payment for DCA since 1st January 2007 is €281.30 per month, an increase of 12.1%.

The Department established the National Allowances Review Group on disability-related allowances in November 1999. This Working Group presented its submission to my Department in 2002, which in turn led to the circulars that currently which came into effect on the 1st July 2002.

The Working Group was maintained by the Health Service Executive and my Department. It is currently in the final stages of preparing a submission to my Department which contains draft new circulars for the various disability related allowances including Domiciliary Care Allowance.