Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is hard to believe there are more than 195,000 carers in the State, but it is more worrying that more than 29,000 of these carers are over the age of 65 years and that more than 3,500 are under the age of 15. My mother worked as a carer for over 30 years and, with other carers, knows the importance of providing care for older people in their own home. It offers them respect and gives them security. It also gives them back their sense of independence. That is the reason Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring older people can live with the dignity and respect they deserve, but it is not only older people who need our help. While many with a disability are able to live their lives the way they choose, many of them require some level of care at times and cannot be excluded. Despite the need for an increased number of care hours, it is worrying that budget 2018 included no commitment to increasing the number of personal assistance hours or respite care services. Last week I submitted a parliamentary question to the Minister for Health which was subsequently referred to the HSE. I asked the Department what its plans were to ensure Fermoy Community Hospital would remain open and be resourced adequately to meet needs in the area. The hospital was facing the loss of 14 respite beds because of staffing issues. The problem has been averted but only temporarily. We must invest in services for our ageing population.

A home care package gives an individual dignity. It also promotes positive mental well-being and instils self-worth and self-pride. We must, however, also give care givers as much support as we can. I commend the Rural Independent Group on bringing forward the motion as we must support the 118,000 female care givers and the 77,000 male care givers.

10 o’clock

We need a social care service with equal access for all based on their needs and to the greatest extent that resources allow.

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