Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, under the existing scheme local authorities are asked to prioritise people coming home from hospital. The Deputy is probably aware of that. Second, we looked at this as part of a qualitative and quantitative review. The quantitative is funding and the qualitative is the scheme's operation. The schemes that work well are those that are more straightforward. It is something we want to keep. Local authorities on the ground are doing great work. I find, up and down the length and breadth of the country, that they are fully aware of the vulnerable groups they are dealing with and the needs of people. We want to keep the scheme as straightforward as possible.