Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy underestimates the scale of the impact of the conclusion of the Labour Relations Commission negotiations on consultants' contracts and rostering. As a result of the conclusion of those talks, services will be delivered much more effectively and substantial savings will be made. When negotiations on the cost and delivery of drugs in the Irish health system come to a conclusion fairly soon, I hope the Deputy will find it within himself to appreciate the progress that will have been made. The important point about home care and home help is its effectiveness. I respect the work done by the home care personnel I meet all over the country. Many of them have never been bound by the sort of clock alluded to by the Deputy. Many of them have always gone out of their way to help those to whom they give care and attention. It is in their nature to do that. For example, a home help might return to a person's house more than once during the course of the day, even if that house is some distance away, because they know the person involved.

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