Ms Anne O'Connor:

It is not something for which we should aim. The challenge is particularly prevalent in Dublin and we are prioritising home care to support people to come out of hospitals. As a result, there are approximately 6,000 people in the community awaiting home care. Throughout the year, we have seen an unrelenting demand for services like this. It has not abated in summer as it might have done previously. As the Minister indicated, we are looking at enhancing home care and will be providing in excess of 300 additional packages in December. We will also be putting additional packages in place in the early part of next year. We hope that will make a difference. The statutory scheme will also be welcome. When one looks at what Sláintecare advocates, home care is a critical part of how we need to deliver our health services. We are looking at that.