Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I urge that a strong emphasis be put on that in the context of requesting the HSE service plan. It is stated in the budget in terms of the commitments that are to be made with regard to older people, home-care packages, home-help hours and all the ancillary supports that are required. It is important that when assessing the reply from the HSE in terms of the plan and the analysis carried out by the Department in advance of its publication, strong emphasis should be put on that to at least underpin and put us on a sound footing with regard to the delivery of community care and home care. As we all know, this is the preferred option for the vast majority of people. Otherwise, we are back in here calling for more money for the fair deal scheme and criticising the fact that we have prolonged waits on trolleys in our accident and emergency departments.

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