Midlands 103

Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

9:00am - Noon

Midlands Today

The Script Feat Will.i.am

Hall Of Fame

Midlands Senator Calls For Review Of HSE Boarding Out Payment Rates

Friday, 27 May 2022 13:41

He also criticised the poor promotion of the scheme, which allows older people to remain in their community.

A midlands senator is calling for the rate of pay for people who board out their house to older people to be reviewed.

The HSE scheme sees householders paid to open their homes to those who can no longer live alone but want to remain in their local community.

There are just 17 such facilities in Ireland - and Westmeath senator Paul Daly expects that number to decline further if more financial assistance isn't provided.

Speaking in the Seanad, the Fianna Fáil rep said €270 per week isn't enough, especially in light of the current cost of living crisis:

Junior Minister for Disabilty, Anne Rabbitte was responding to Senator Daly's concerns on behalf of Junior Minister for Older People, Mary Butler.

She thanked the Westmeath man for highlighting the scheme, which she admitted many people are unaware of and described it as "the best kept secret".

She agreed that better promotion of the programme is necessary, given its role in helping older people remain in their communities and the savings made to the State.

Minister Rabbitte said she would relay Senator Daly's concerns to the Department of Health, but she could not give any solid assurances that the payment structure would be reviewed.

More from Midlands News

Man Taken To Hospital Following Alleged Westmeath Assault

The incident occurred in Kinnegad.
Osteoarthritis Programme Launched At Midlands Hospital

It was developed in Denmark and is now implemented in over 10 countries.
Laois County Fire And Rescue Service Welcomes Two New Fire Appliances

The two appliances will soon be operational in Portlaoise and Mountmellick.
Offaly TD Welcomes New IDA Ireland Investment

Fianna Fail's Tony McCormack says it's needed to keep commuters closer to home.
Gardaí At Midlands Collision Involving Pedestrian

The incident occured outside Edenderry.
Gardai Conduct House Searches In Connection With Offaly Arson Attack

Three premises are being investigated across Offaly and Kildare this morning.
Funeral For Offaly Arson Attack Victim To Be Held Today

His father, has been denied compassionate bail to attend his funeral.
Emergency Services At Scene Of Offaly Crash

The incident took place on JKL street.
Tadgh Farrell’s Father Denied Compassionate Bail To Attend Son’s Funeral

Aaron Holt has a significant history of committing crimes while on bail.
Sinn Fein Warn Against Blister Pack Fees

The Government are planning to charge up to €50 for the packing from January.
Gated Senior Living Community Opens In Laois

Heritage Village in Killenard will eventually house up to 166 people.
Reigning Rose Of Tralee To Take Part in DWTS

Ballyouskill's Katelyn Cummins will take part in Dancing With The Stars Ireland Season 9.
Westmeath Artist Awarded €30,000 Residency

Nicole Flattery is being appointed a Writer in Residence at the University of Galway for 2026.
IDA Ireland Secures Land For Offaly Business Park

Another business and enterprise park is coming to Tullamore.
Addiction Councillor Points Out National Rise Of Cocaine

Gardaí believe a fatal arson attack was carried out by drug gangs in Edenderry last Saturday.
Funeral For Second Offaly Arson Attack Victim To Be Held Sunday

Mary Holt passed away following an arson attack in Edenderry last weekend.
Laois Jersey Goes Global This Christmas

Downtown Portlaoise's jersey is proving to be very popular across the globe.
Warnings Of Growing Spy Threats As Ireland Plans €1.7b Defence Upgrade

IIEA and Deloitte warn an armed attack on an EU member remains possible.
Funeral For Former Midlands Minister Takes Place

Paddy Cooney was remembered as a "kind" man during his funeral mass today in Athlone.
Four Westmeath Men On Bail Following Violent Street Incident

The four men are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty.

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103