James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Butler for introducing this important and timely motion which concerns older people not receiving the home care supports they need. Many families are often misled into believing the battle has been won once they receive approval, yet it only begins at that point to receive the service for the number of hours approved. Elderly, vulnerable and ill people who have been assessed as being in need of support are not receiving it. A total of 578 people in Wexford are waiting to receive home support services. The waiting list is one of the worst in the country. Conversely, in many counties there are no waiting lists. Next door in the Carlow-Kilkenny area nobody is waiting for support. Why are vulnerable people in Wexford being discriminated against in comparison to people living in other counties?

I will briefly provide three examples for the Minister of State. An 84 year old woman who is living alone and crippled with arthritis has been approved for a home care package for almost one year, yet she does not receive support for even half an hour. An 85 year old who is bed ridden and living alone can receive no support at the weekend. A 74 year old who has an oxygen tank, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, and asthma and been approved for home support for almost a year cannot receive any support. What does the Minister of State say to these people? It is totally unacceptable that so many older people cannot receive the vital supports they need, but it is outrageous that some counties such as my own - Wexford - are bearing the brunt of the waiting lists. Why are older people in Wexford being discriminated against and when will it end?

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