Written question asked by Eddie McGrady (Social Democratic & Labour Party) on Wednesday, 7 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 July 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Monday, 19 July 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what action will be taken to resolve the shortage of home care staff in the South Down area; if he will make a statement on the shortage in home care staff in the South Down area.

Answer: Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what action will be taken to resolve the shortage of home care staff in the South Down area; [183058] if he will make a statement on the shortage in home: care staff in the South Down area. [183064] Angela Smith: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) recognises the recruitment and retention difficulties faced by domiciliary care providers, not only in the South Down area but across the region as a whole. Research has been commissioned, which includes exploring with Health and Social Services Trusts and independent domiciliary care providers, the key issues affecting their ability to commission or deliver such services in the future. The outcome of this research will help to inform decisions on future funding for domiciliary care services. DHSSPS is committed to securing additional resources for community care services. This year I have allocated an additional £4 million for community care, which will include domiciliary care. These funds have been allocated to boards on the basis of their capitation shares of overall resources.

Secondary information