Sir, – It was with a sense of resigned déjà vu that I read the article (Front Page, June 4th) on the slow progress in regulating home help.
More than two years ago your paper had extensive coverage of the RTÉ Primetime programme on the lack of regulation in the home care sector. At that time, political parties, without exception, were rushing to the media with their thoughts on lack of regulation in the home care sector. The then Minister of State with responsibility for older people gave the usual knee-jerk response that the government was "examining the options". Two years later it is extremely disappointing to note that the current Minister of State with responsibility for older people has not moved on the issue.
Firms providing home care under the home care package scheme have a high level of care standards imposed under the public procurement conditions. One quick fix for the Government to bring home care standards to all would be to merge the home help scheme and the home care package scheme together and impose the same procurement conditions on all home care providers. A very quick, effective and simple solution, not requiring legislation. Will we see this happen?
Very unlikely with a Government that never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity in home care. – Yours, etc,
JONATHON ROTH (Dr),
Clancys Strand, Limerick.