Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I do not doubt for one minute the Deputy's sincerity on this issue. I am not certain, however, that he heard the last part of my reply, which indicates that we have indeed revisited the matter. I stated:

I emphasise again that in addressing very difficult financial realities overall, protecting community-based services for vulnerable older people continues to be a priority for the Government. However, the challenge facing the HSE in drawing up its 2013 service plan should not be underestimated. I am pleased, therefore, to reiterate our commitment to restore to 2012 levels of service the core community services of home help, home care packages and personal assistant hours.

In other words, we have done exactly what the Deputy is asking.

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