To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what impact efficiency savings in the Health Service are having on the availability and level of the provision of palliative and end of life care for individuals who wish to be cared for in their own home; and whether there has been any reduction in the funding or services available to patients and their families.

Over the current CSR period, a total of £44 million has been made available to improve the range of services available to people with chronic conditions, prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital and ensure that wherever possible people with such chronic conditions can be cared for and die in their place of choice in the community.

Despite the challenges of the current financial climate, all Trusts have ensured that the efficiency savings have not affected their provision of palliative and end of life care for those who wish to be cared for at home; in fact, services are being developed and enhanced by integrated working between primary and community care teams and the voluntary care sectors.

In addition, The Palliative and End of Life Care Strategy seeks to support the Board and Trusts in the more effective deployment of existing resources against the recommendations and examples of good practice and will ensure that planning for the next CSR period will also be focused accordingly. The strategy is currently out for public consultation until19 February and can be accessed at http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/showconsultations?txtid=40197