Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Page 82 of the programme for Government states: "We will improve supports and services for older people to live independently in their own home." Yesterday, the Care Alliance noted that 6,000 people are now waiting for help at home. To compound the issue, this number has increased by 30% in the past three years. We have an aging population, and it is essential that funding is ring-fenced in the service plan as a matter of priority for home help hours. In the long run, this would be cost-effective, because if the care was provided at home it would free up bed capacity in the acute system.

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