Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising the question as it provides me with an opportunity to outline to the current situation in the meals on wheels service nationally and to indicate the priority we give it. It plays a vital role in the provision of community care and I express our appreciation to all involved in the service, particularly those working on a voluntary basis.

This Government has made services for older people a priority, supporting older people in dignity to live in their own communities for as long as possible. The meals on wheels service plays an important role by providing regular, nutritious meals and essential social contact for older people. These play an important role in facilitating older people to remain at home and in good health.

I recently attended an awards ceremony where a volunteer was given an award for the efforts he had made on the part of numerous voluntary organisations, one of which was meals on wheels. He referred to one person he calls on whose nearest neighbour lives half a mile away. He often asked himself as he was closing the gate which was more important, the meal he brought or the visit he had paid.

Additional funding for services for older people of €150 million was allocated in the 2006 budget. This is the largest ever increase in funding for services for older people, reflecting the new emphasis on home and day care. Almost three quarters, €109 million of the full year costs, are committed to community care supports. Within this allocation, the meals on wheels service received additional funding of €2.5 million for 2006 and a further €2.5 million for 2007.

The HSE has advised that St. Canice's day care centre, which provides meals on wheels in the Finglas area, receives funding by agreement from the executive. The HSE has also advised that the manager for services for older people in the local health office, north-west Dublin, will make arrangements to meet St. Canice's day centre to discuss any financial difficulties it may be experiencing at this time in the provision of meals on wheels with a view to sustaining this valuable service.

I thank Deputy Carey for outlining the difficulties that have arisen. We are aware of the importance of the service in the area and the prospect of closure is not one we would entertain. We will make every effort to ensure the service continues and the financial difficulties are addressed and will keep Deputy Carey up to date on the situation.

See this speech in context