Written answers

Tuesday, 28 September 2021

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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732. To ask the Minister for Health if he will work to establish a commission on care to include an examination on the role, reliance and recognition of family carers in long-term care provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46294/21]

Photo of Mary ButlerMary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In June 2020, the Programme for Government, mindful of the particular impact of COVID-19 on older people, especially those who live on their own and people living in nursing homes, set out a commitment to establish a commission to examine care and supports for older people.

Under the National Carer’s Strategy a range of measures have been introduced or extended by my Department to support family carers in recent years. Most recently, €2m was allocated in Budget 2021 as a first step towards implementing a Carers’ Guarantee. My Department has been in consultation with representative groups and the HSE to ensure the funding allocated to address geographical inequity of access to carer supports. In addition, the interRAI Carers Needs Assessment pilot - which will look at the needs of carers in the context of access to home supports - is starting in November 2021.

In relation to a Commission on Care, progress has been made in relation to older persons care over the last 12 months. In particular good progress has been made on the implementation of recommendations arising from the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel which ultimately will improve standards of care in nursing homes; and also in the establishment of a statutory Home Support Scheme which will significantly increase support for people in their own homes.

In light of these developments we are assessing the focus and remit of a Commission on Care for older people.

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