Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Since the fair deal scheme was introduced in 2009, despite some flaws, it has helped and enhanced the lives of many who were able to avail of it to secure the necessary supports they needed in a nursing home. Good as it was, the scheme has to be altered at this point to cater for the needs and lifestyles of a growing older population, the citizens who have helped build our country. Many, however, were not just disappointed but devastated when they realised home help hours were not to be increased in the HSE’s service plan for 2017 to help alleviate problems people have at home and overcrowding in hospitals. Due to this, thousands of older people right across the country have been left without the support they need. This policy contradicts the Fine Gael Party's manifesto pledge of an additional 2.2 million home help hours over five years.

Therefore, in reality, there should have been an extra €400,000 this year. The upshot of this decision was that further pressure was put on the already stretched nursing home system and the hospital system.

In so far as possible, we all want to stay and live in our own homes, surrounded by our loved ones and by the familiar for as long as we can. I think for any of us, to be able to keep our parents, grandparents and family members with disabilities in our own homes for as long as possible is an absolute given. The Bill that my colleague, Deputy O'Dea, has put forward today has the possibility to dramatically change in a very positive way and improve the provision of care to older people and those with disabilities. I acknowledge that Government policy is that the elderly and the infirm should, in so far as possible, be able to live in their own homes. However, at present, this is not a realistic option for many. I know from listening to older people in south Kildare and those who care for them that all of them would far prefer older people to be able to stay at home. This needs to be put on a statutory basis. All health care professionals and all specialists in geriatric care say the outcomes are far better for older people if they can remain in their homes as long as possible, supported by family and home helps. In addition to adding pressure to the nursing home system, a lack of home help hours and support from the HSE at this point will ensure that older people and those with disabilities or chronic health issues will remain longer in the hospital system than is necessary.

I also make a plea for support for community care systems within this new system. We have many excellent day care systems within our communities around the country which need help and support. It is a joy to witness the terrific work Joan Kennedy does in the Rathangan Day Care Centre, providing help, support, solace, friendship and excellent food throughout the week from Nuala O'Connell and her team. This certainly helps elderly and infirm people to stay in their own homes. I have spoken here recently about the Alzheimer's group in Moore Abbey in Monasterevin and the impending decision in April as to what will happen to what is a vital service for people in south Kildare. I made the plea to the Minister of State that while we consider support for those in their homes, there needs to be support within the community as well.

I commend my colleague for bringing the Bill forward at this Stage and I plead with everybody involved to ensure this happens. It makes sense both on a financial level, since, as my colleague has pointed out, the cost would be one third of what it is for nursing home care, and it makes complete sense on a moral and supportive level.

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