AQW 4135/09 Written question to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what progress has been made preparing for the introduction of free personal care; and for his assessment of whether it will be implementation in 2010.
Asked by Naomi Long MLA on 16 January 2009
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 16 January 2009
- Answer due by
- 2 February 2009
- Answered
- 2 March 200945 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
My officials conducted the cost update on free personal care which I promised in the Assembly debate on 29 May 2007. I have considered this issue very carefully against the competing priorities I face across the health service and have concluded that free personal care in residential and nursing homes is not affordable within the current CSR period. I will, however, keep the issue under review.