90 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health the amount of money provided in the Western Health Board budget in 1996 for the provision of home help services; the comparative figures in each of the years 1994 and 1995; the number of home helps employed in each of these years; the rate of pay per hour; if he will respond to the concerns expressed that the number of hours have been curtailed proportionate to the 100 per cent increase in hourly wages paid to home help; if he will ensure that the number of hours provided to each individual recipient in 1995, whose circumstances has not changed, will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23422/96]

Limerick East): As the Deputy will be aware, section 61 of the Health Act, 1970, enables health boards to make arrangements to assist in the maintenance at home of persons who, but for the provision of such a service would require to be maintained otherwise than at home. This section empowers, without obliging, health boards to provide support services such as home help, laundry and meals.