Ray Butler (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on his policy in relation to home help and home care packages; the steps that have been taken to ensure that those who have a medically assessed requirement for these services receive them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1061/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The HSE Service Plan 2013 reinforces Government policy to support vulnerable older people to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible. These services, which are provided either by the HSE directly or in partnership with non-statutory providers, include Home Help, Home Care Packages, Meals-on-Wheels and Day/Respite Care.

The HSE has developed various initiatives nationally in its approach to all relevant aspects of its Home Support services. These include new Guidelines for Home Care and a new Procurement Framework for approved agencies providing services on its behalf. While on-going developments have been designed to standardise and maximise the use of limited resources, they also promote quality, safety and equity for both providers and care recipients alike. In line with its normal procedures for the allocation or review of Home Support services at individual level, the HSE will review as appropriate those who have a medically assessed requirement for services, to ensure that services are provided on a prioritised basis in line with their assessed need. The HSE has committed in its National Service Plan to maintaining the home help and home care package service at levels planned for in 2012.