The following motion was moved by Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin on Tuesday, 16 October 2012:That Dáil Éireann:- recognising the right of older people to live in dignity and independence, and to age well, in their own homes and communities and for as long as possible; - knowing that 91 per cent of older people rely on the State pension and related supports to protect them against risk of poverty; - understanding that home help and home care packages are vital, not only to enhancing the quality of life of older people and supporting their preferred wishes, but also to reducing pressures elsewhere in the health care system, including acute hospital services; - commending the work of home helps, home care providers and carers who care for the needs of our older people and those in infirmity; - acknowledging that the demand for these services, and for additional supports such as meals-on-wheels, day and respite care, will continue and will increase as the demographics and complex needs of older people change; - accepting that the Government, despite the economic challenges, must maintain and improve, by all means possible, the social fabric of Irish society, caring for and cherishing people with disabilities, their families and others in need; - condemning the recent Government decision to cut up to €1.7 million in funding for home care packages and approximately €8 million in funding for home help hours between now and this year’s end, equating to some 450,000 hours of support for those in need, and which, further to cuts implemented in January, will see almost 1 million hours of home help hours withdrawn over these 12 months; and - recognising the devastating impact these cuts will have on the quality of life and general well-being of those affected; calls on the Government to: - immediately reverse the cuts to home help hours and home care packages and to return funding to pre-Budget 2012 levels; - maintain, develop and enhance home care front line services and to guarantee continued reliable access to community care for older people; and - draft, publish and implement a national positive ageing strategy before December 2013.

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