Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Of course I agree with the sentiment that elderly people have the right to be able to stay in their own homes as long as possible, for both their dignity and their comfort. However, in many cases there comes a time when that is no longer possible because of the extent of care required and the complexity of their situation. I said yesterday that 100,000 people receive home care packages and that the Government made a further €75 million available early this year for the fair deal scheme and home care packages. We stand by that principle. Everything cannot be done at once but as the economy improves and as our population ages, it is important that our elderly are given that sense of comfort and dignity in their own homes where that is possible.

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