To ask the Minister of Health how he plans to deal with the backlog of domiciliary care packages to be provided for those living in the community.

You will be aware that on 24 November 2021 I announced a support package of up to £23m for the independent domiciliary and wider social care sector. This additional funding has been provided with the expectation that providers will not only maintain current service levels, but increase capacity and be in a position to reach out particularly into rural areas. £25 million has been released for 2022/2023 period.

In September every year a survey is completed for one week regarding domiciliary care. In September 2021 there was 7% more domiciliary contact hours provided compared to September 2020. This equated to 6% increase in people receiving domiciliary care compared to September 2020.

There remain ongoing challenges with providing domiciliary care packages due to difficulties with recruitment and retention of domiciliary care staff with particular challenges in rural areas due to high fuel costs. Providers operate rolling recruitment exercises in an attempt to fill workforce vacancies.

The Health Trusts have processes in place to risk assess and prioritise those awaiting a package of care. The local HSC Trusts are promoting Direct Payments as an alternative to traditional packages of care and we would encourage as many people as possible in the community to avail of this option.

I will continue to support the domiciliary care sector in their attempts to meet the current demand for packages of care in the community.