§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with the provision of the home help service in Northern Ireland.
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§ Mr. CarterI will not be satisfied with the level of provision until all those who require the service can have it made available to them. However, I am satisfied that, within the limits of existing resources, the home help service in Northern Ireland provides valuable support for the elderly, the handicapped and for persons who are without any other means of support in their own homes. The number of people receiving the service has increased from 10,905 in 1974 to 18,855 in 1976.
§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many persons received assistance from the home help service in each area health board in the year ended 31st March 1977;
(2) how many persons received assistance from the home help service in Northern Ireland in the year ended 31st March 1977.
§ Mr. CarterSuch information is available only for calendar years. In the year ended 31st December 1976 the number of persons who received the service in each Health and Social Services Board was as follows:
Eastern Board … … 9,356 Southern Board … … 3,812 Western Board … … 2,487 Northern Board … … 3,200 Total for Northern Ireland … … 18,855