Written answers

Thursday, 7 June 2012

8:00 pm

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 131: To ask the Minister for Health the legislative proposals he is working on in respect of improving standards in the level of care in the home care sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27600/12]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

All relevant implications arising from this proposal will obviously have to be taken into account including for example, The Law Reform Commission's recent report, entitled Legal Aspects of Professional Home Care, which in itself is a follow up to its 2009 consultation paper Legal Aspects of Carers.

Primary legislation and resources will be required for the introduction of a statutory regulation system for home care services. The question of possible changes to legislation, including regulation and inspection, for Home Care services for older people is at present under consideration. The Department is examining this matter in the overall context of the licensing of Health Care providers. Legislation is currently being prepared and various options are being considered, including the complex legal issues involved, and the need to prioritise legislation across the Social Care area overall.

I wish to emphasise that statutory regulation or licensing is only one way of improving the safety and quality of services and that other measures have or are being taken to improve the standards of Home Support services delivered by, or on behalf of, the Health Service Executive (HSE). This approach is reflected in the agreed HSE Service Plan 2012, and includes a new public Procurement Framework for Home Care services (with quality and screening requirements); new National Quality Guidelines for Home Care Support Services, and new National Home Help Guidelines .

These various measures, taken together, have been designed to improve relevant aspects of HSE Home Care provision nationally, pending progression of the legislative proposals raised by the Deputy.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.