Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Senator Higgins wants to get in on a third round.

At this point, I wish to ask a question relating to recommendation 11. We have covered a broad range of issues within the remit of the witnesses and the remit of the committee. Mr. Hession said that while recommendations 10 to 12, inclusive, on the care of older people and the care of people of disabilities do not fall directly within the Department’s responsibility, it has a role in providing income and employment support and our guests are happy to discuss that further.

On recommendation 11, the assembly made clear that it wanted to see improved provision for those who wished to be cared for at home, including providing a statutory right for payment for home care packages as well as nursing care. I am conscious that the design and operation of the fair deal scheme is not directly within the remit of the Department of Social Protection. However, can the witnesses comment on whether their Department would have a remit or view on a new or adjusted fair deal scheme to remove the over-reliance on nursing home care and move more to a home care emphasis? Is there a role for the Department on that? It is partly because the Department administers the carer’s allowance and, obviously, that would have a bearing.