Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Fleming for his contribution. He will agree the home help scheme has, by and large, given great comfort and has been a great response to so many people for a relatively low cost. A total of €320 million has been allocated for home care packages and home help allowances and 100,000 people receive benefit from it. I am sure this is not what the Deputy suggests should be stopped because of the great benefits people receive. It is only right and very normal that elderly people in receipt of home help assistance want to stay in their own homes and there are a variety of schemes around that to assist them. I have seen them in the Deputy's county where elements of the Tús scheme, together with the local authorities, have helped improve conditions in some of the houses where people receive home help and in the day care centres they visit to improve the quality and comfort of their lives. This issue is monitored all of the time. As I stated, €320 million has been allocated this year and 100,000 people receive support from it. I will have the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, reply to Deputy Fleming in respect of the letters which have been issued in his county.

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