As regards home help, which is one aspect of caring for the aged, is the Minister happy with the level of remuneration given to home helps?

That is a separate question.

It concerns old people being kept at home. This is one specific measure taken by the Department to ensure this is done. I am asking if the level of payment given to home helps at present is in line with what the Minister thinks should be given. At the present rate per hour it is ludicrous to expect people to provide this service. Would the Minister comment on this?

I agree with the Deputy that the home helps provide a very valuable and important service. I would be keen to see that this service would continue and improve.

Is the Minister aware that in the current year, with major cut-backs to health boards in their allocations, this service will suffer thus causing extra cost to the Exchequer as those people will have to be brought to hospital?

I have pointed out to the health boards that I would certainly not favour this policy. I do not believe it will be done in that way.

They have no option.

Expansion is another question. I agree that further improvement and expansion is desirable.

They cannot even maintain present services, that is the problem.

Questions Nos. 12 and 13 are for written reply.