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

I am not convinced that all those in beds in acute hospitals would necessarily need to go into long-term care, although a proportion would need to do so. However, we believe that with the right interventions, such as physiotherapy, and with the home care packages and supports, many more people could live long and well in their own communities. The Deputy and I know the old saying that the journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. We are beginning to change the service and to recognise the needs. We have to start somewhere and this is where we are starting. The provisions will be in place this year.

We are extraordinarily lucky to have Mr. Pat Healy as director. He has an in-depth knowledge of this whole area, has been involved in it throughout his career and has realised where the blockages and the difficulties are and is now beginning to address them in a way we have not seen before.

See this speech in context