Sir, - As a senior citizen living alone with failing physical health, I am in the fortunate position of having the support of a wonderful caring home help. Without this essential service my quality of life would be greatly reduced and I would have to go into a nursing home.
Paying home helps in Cork (pound) 1.70 an hour "is a disgrace" as pointed out by Brendan Hennessy (May 8th). What type of equality is this when full-time home helps employed by some health boards are paid (pound) 5-(pound) 5.50 an hour for doing the same job as their part-time co-workers in Cork? This anomaly should be sorted out. The home helps of Ireland need to stand together, shout loud and challenge the Minister for Health, Brian Cowen, for this gross injustice. - Yours, etc., Sarah O'Brien,
Wicklow.