Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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664. To ask the Minister for Health his views on whether a FETAC level 5 qualification is sufficient for carers employed by care companies contracted by the HSE to care for persons with severe disabilities; the extra training they must undergo to ensure they are competent with clients with a high level of need such as those with Alzheimer's disease or a severe disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30808/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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For employment in the HSE, Health Care Assistants are required to hold the  FETAC/QQI Health Care Support Level 5, Major Award. This broad training base provides an education in person centred care as well as a wide variety of aspects in patient care. Health Care Assistants perform a significant role as part of the multi disciplinary team in various services throughout the HSE. Health Care Assistants work under the supervision and direction of nursing staff. This is a very rewarding and enjoyable role but it is also a challenging role given the diversity of the patient health care needs.

The Deputy asks about qualifications for carers employed by care companies contracted by the HSE.  Section 39 of the Health Act 2004, provides that the HSE may ‘..give assistance to any person or body that provides or proposes to provide a service similar or ancillary to a service that the Executive may provide.’.  Financial assistance is provided in the form of a grant. Any individuals employed by these organisations are not HSE employees.  Consequently, it is a matter for the care companies concerned to ensure that the care workers possess the necessary qualifications, skills and attributes required to fully and effectively carry out the functions of the role.