Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am very honoured to be given the opportunity to speak about Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross, which is in my constituency. The hospice was founded by the Sisters of Charity back in 1879. Sometimes, the wonderful contribution that religious orders of all denominations have made to health care and education in the capital and beyond is sometimes forgotten. Even though it is described as being a hospice, Our Lady's provides a great deal more than care for those who are terminally ill. It also provides a service to enable elderly people to live independently as well as services in respect of rheumatology and other specialist palliative care.

The hospice is well aware of the challenges it faces into the future and the State needs to assist it in meeting them. Ireland's over-65 population is growing rapidly and is expected to triple to 1.4 million over the next 30 years. We need to prepare for that. Fortunately, the hospice is preparing and has commenced the process of constructing a whole new palliative care centre. It is also expanding the home care service. I had the benefit with other colleagues here to visit the hospice and receive a guided tour of the wonderful new building. It is an invaluable service and an institution that is loved by very many people in Dublin, as Deputy Lahart said. That was evident last Sunday. It is important that the State recognises the role of the hospice, not simply by talking about it, but by making some active financial contribution. The hospice needs to be assisted financially in respect of the work that is going on. The HSE did not fund the first phase of the build and I ask the Minister of State to provide some practical support financially.

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