Written question asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party) on Friday, 17 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 October 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 October 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what measures are in place to facilitate joint working between service providers of home care in Northern Ireland.

Answer: Mr. Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures are in place to facilitate joint working between service providers of home care in Northern Ireland. [189967] Angela Smith: The promotion of a flourishing independent sector in social care provision is a key objective of the `People First' policy. Health and Personal Social Services bodies engage with a wide range of private and voluntary sector agencies in the planning and delivery of domiciliary care. Arrangements also exist for the joint consideration of important issues such as recruitment and training.

Secondary information