Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

The HSE south western area confirmed the following figures for the last three years: In 2002 the number of home help hours was 527,622 and the corresponding funding was €3,558,849; in 2003 the home help hours were 441,096 and the funding was €4,745,000; in 2004 the home help hours were 428,642 with funding of €4,565,000. I acknowledge a discrepancy in the figures. I will confirm the figures for the Deputy.

The figures indicate a 16% decrease of home help hours in 2003 from the 2002 figures. A further 3% decrease in hours in 2004 gave a total of 19% less home help hours since 2002. The HSE south west area has advised the reduced service levels were due to the demands on service beyond the available budget allocation.

The Tánaiste is concerned at the reduction in home help service levels that has arisen in this area since 2002. She has asked the Health Service Executive to reconsider this as a matter of urgency in the context of the needs of the area.

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