Mr. Seán Moynihan:

This is why, with the workforce group set up by the Department with the coalition and why, even in our own submission, qualifications matter. Whether it is domestic tasks or personal care, people must have these skills and abilities to relate to the individual and to deliver the care. Obviously, we want people to go into this area and feel valued, because it is a difficult, emotional and physical job and they need to feel trained and supported. On the other hand, we do not want to put either the older person or the staff into unsafe situations, where somebody has been asked to care for somebody and they lack knowledge of dementia, complex cases or other issues going on. It is not safe for either party, and that is where the training comes in. This would include cases where the older person may have challenges around sight or hearing. There are all types of training and support that staff need. It is vital that we keep the people that we care about in the community supported at a time when they need us the most.