Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the system of regulation and inspection for private home care nursing agencies which currently exist and in view of numerous complaints from the public if she has an intention to introduce new regulations or legislation for these agencies. [27919/07]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of private home care services has increased in this country in recent times and this trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. At present, such services are either availed of on an individual basis, without the involvement of the State, or are arranged in certain cases by the Health Service Executive.

Any complaints in relation to the provision of such services should, in the first instance, be brought to the attention of the Executive, particularly in relation to any cases where abuse of any nature may be suspected. However, I am not aware at present, either from the HSE or elsewhere, of large scale complaints from the public in regard to private home care provision. If the Deputy can supply further information on this I would be prepared to follow up any specific issue he raises.

I am conscious of the need to ensure high standards in the area of private home care. I understand that the HSE is at present developing national guidelines for enhancing the delivery of home care services. My Department will continue to liaise with the Executive to determine how improvements in this area might best be achieved.