Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the home care package scheme is still available; the funding that has been put in place in County Mayo for the scheme in 2010 and in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26340/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The guiding principle of Government policy in this area is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. This is realised through a range of community-based supports such as Home-Help, Meals-on-Wheels, Day/Respite, and Home Care Packages.

Despite the serious economic constraints experienced in recent times, the Government has continued to prioritise improving services for older people. This is reflected in the €10m additional funding provided in the last Budget to expand Home Care Packages nationally, thus bringing total investment for this Initiative this year to €130 million. It is estimated that the additional funding will assist up to 1,000 extra recipients compared to the 2009 position. In total, therefore, the HSE National Service Plan approved for this year commits to provide Home Care Packages to around 9,600 people at any one time or to some 13,000 clients over the course of the year.

The management of packages in County Mayo, including funding and availability, is a matter for the HSE in line with agreed resources, on-going service priorities or any other relevant factors. I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to industrial action by members of the Civil and Public Services Union (CPSU), it is not possible to request the Executive to supply the detailed information sought in relation to the Mayo area. This represents the current position but if this remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.