Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 26 June 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 29 June 2006. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Thursday, 29 June 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Home Helps

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to review the working practices of home help and domestic care workers for elderly and infirm people in Northern Ireland, with special reference to Health and Safety restrictions.

Answer: There are at present no plans to review the working practices of home help and domestic care workers for elderly and infirm people in Northern Ireland. However, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is currently developing regulations and minimum care standards for domiciliary care agencies. These standards will specify minimum supervision and appraisal requirements, mandatory training requirements and safe and healthy working practices. These new regulations and standards are expected to come into effect on 1 April 2007 and will form the basis for inspections carried out by the Regulatory and Quality Improvement Authority.

Secondary information