Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister, Mr. Breslin and Ms Casey for coming before the committee. I commend all those involved in devising the plan. I know that many hours of work went into it. It is great that there was cross-party involvement and support. I hope health will always be above party politics and think this is a great start.

I am glad that the Minister referenced the meeting in Cork. As great things happen in Cork, it is a good omen.

The report identifies on page 46 that many people with disabilities are denied access to the opportunity to live independently owing to the lack of services. The report refers to a statement made by the Disability Federation of Ireland that persons with disabilities are among those at a higher risk of living in poverty. What plans are in place to curb this?

As we all know, most people want to reside in their own home. On page 48 the report deals with the reduction in the number of home help hours and the impact it has having on the elderly and people with disabilities. All Deputies and Senators are inundated with requests from constituents for more home help hours. It is in the top three things being done in my office every day. It is particularly prevalent in west Cork and the issue needs to be addressed. I have spoken to the Minister about it previously. How does he see it being achieved?

I am also concerned about but not surprised by the complexity of the problem in accessing care. It ultimately creates financial barriers for certain individuals, which makes it all the more necessary to ensure health care is universal and available to all.

I hope the agreed timeframes will be adhered to and that things will not just be made up as we move forward.