Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. I am somewhat disappointed, however, that the underlying message seems to be that the position is as it is and the prospect of enhanced provision for those who are down to three quarters of an hour of care under the home help scheme are poor. I ask the Minister of State again to examine those cases where the curtailment of hours is such that it is unrealistic to expect that the type of care and support required by individuals and families can be met within the assigned allocation.

I have no reason to question or doubt the provision contained in the Estimate for this scheme. Moreover, I accept the financial constraints with which the Minister of State is dealing. However, this is an absolutely invaluable scheme. If we get to a position where a person of 82 or 83 years of age can be maintained in a home setting for another 12 months rather than being taken into institutional care, there are benefits not only for the individual but also for the State. The arithmetic dictates that providing more resources in this area is in line with best public policy. I urge the Minister of State to endeavour to secure greater resources for the scheme.

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