Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to extend the slán abhaile programme. [18589/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Slán Abhaile Scheme, now known as the Home Care Package Programme, formally commenced in 2006, following a pilot programme in 2005. Home Care Packages are an additional support over and above existing mainstream community services and are used to maintain an older person at home via additional supports and therapy services. They are designed to be flexible and are particularly targeted at those at risk of admission to long-term care, inappropriate admission to acute hospital or requiring discharge home from acute hospital.

Very significant funding of €110 million was provided over the years 2006 and 2007 to develop Home Care Packages. In 2007, the Health Service Executive had put in place 4,350 packages, which benefitted in excess of 10,500 clients.

In Budget 2008, an additional €10 million was allocated to provide 360 extra packages this year, which should benefit in the region of 800 additional people. The Government specifically highlighted community based services for older people, and the expansion of Home Care Packages in particular, as a priority for development funding in the Budget. The total projected provision by the HSE is over 4,700 packages for this year, benefiting approximately 11,000 people.