Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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405. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to privatise home help hours; the position regarding current home help staff; if their positions are guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35818/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Homecare services provided either directly by the HSE or through service agreements with private and voluntary sector providers are intended to assist older people to live independently in their own homes. In addition to the mainstream Home Help Service which offers up to 5 hours per week of personal care and help with domestic chores, enhanced home care is provided through the Home Care Package (HCP) Scheme. Services are provided on the basis of assessed health-care need and services are free.

HSE employed home help workers have traditionally been, and remain, mainly part-time workers due to the nature and flexibility of the work involved and the care needs of clients. In 2014, new contracts were issued to HSE employed home helps providing them with guaranteed hours and a guaranteed income each week with assignments provided to meet the needs of clients over the course of 12 months.

There are no plans to privatise home care services currently provided directly by the HSE.