Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the provision of an adequate home help service by the HSE, there have been alarming circumstances in County Kerry, particularly in the past two weeks. Hundreds of vulnerable recipients have been informed by letter that the HSE is making some drastic cuts to its already-diminished service. which has been diminishing over the past two years. The unfortunate notice is being sent to a very worried and stressed group of citizens. This action is replicated in other counties. The Taoiseach will have to intervene very strongly with the Minister for Health as this cannot be allowed to continue.

The home help service for our elderly and vulnerable population is probably the best and most effective means of delivery of home care services to ensure people can live in their own communities, at a very low cost. This is the environment in which people are happiest. There is a policy of upgrading and developing the delivery of community care in general, but what is happening on the ground is contrary to all this. There is certainly a deficiency and we need to rectify it as a matter of urgency.

These regressive measures are further compounding an already-diminishing service. The service for many deserving elderly and infirm people is being very much cut down to the very minimum. The cost of home care provision is significantly lower than the cost of nursing home provision but there is currently an emphasis on forcing those in receipt of home care into private nursing homes as an alternative means of care. In many cases, an adequate home help service, in addition to the respite care provided in the district and community hospitals, would be the solution.

The trend has been evident over the past two years, in particular. The minimum number of home help hours has been provided. In many cases, perhaps only a half an hour is allowed at a certain time in the morning or afternoon. Consequently, the home help provider may not be in inside the door of the house and may be trying to get her or his chores done as fast as possible before leaving. What is happening is counter-productive. The best value for money is not being realised as the service is currently run. Over €70 million has been provided for the care of the elderly under the fair deal system and community care in general. I ask that sufficient moneys be invested immediately to address the issue I am raising. I ask the Taoiseach to speak to the Minister for Health this evening to stop this unfortunate action, which is causing undue fear, stress and strain among those concerned and their families.

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