Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is a false economy by the HSE because it has been a very successful scheme and by far the best scheme operated by the HSE to retain and build up the concept of community care for those who are happiest among their own families and in their communities. Will the Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, contact HSE South immediately to address urgently this matter in County Kerry and in other counties where it may be happening? It should be resolved this week rather than having these vulnerable and elderly people experience undue fears and stressful conditions. Rather than the negativity and cost-cutting, we need to counteract this with positive measures for the good of all and have an enhanced service at minimum cost. It can be done and I ask the Taoiseach to stop what is happening. He should direct the HSE to immediately withdraw the letters and provide adequate convalescence in the district hospitals and respite care to give occasional breaks to families and put in place procedures to resolve this to the satisfaction of everybody. It would be a good day's work if the Taoiseach acted with haste on this matter.

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