Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Chairman has addressed many of the issues around community and primary care about which I had intended to ask questions. The point was made that carers are neglecting their own health and failing to undergo medical procedures because they are unable to put in place alternative care arrangements. That is very alarming. Time and again we have heard at this committee, including again today, that there is a lack of leadership and confidence in the system. This is very disappointing. Reference is made on page 25 to the shortfalls in community and care services and to the State having a statutory obligation to provide support to people in nursing homes but that it is under no legal obligation to provide community-based services. It is almost certain that the inadequacy of support services for care in the home continues to be the key factor in determining the need for residential care. I understand the point that where there is action there is instant reaction and that in this instance a lack of action in terms of supporting older people within their communities will lead to their ending up in residential care and, thus, increased cost to the State. Perhaps the witnesses' would elaborate on that point and on my earlier point regarding the lack of leadership and confidence in the system which they said is resulting in morale within the system being very low.