Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

By 2031, 21% of the population are expected to be over the age of 65 years. In my constituency there are now more than 16,000 people over that age, accounting for one in eight of the population of Louth and the coastal area of Meath. I acknowledge the good work that has been done and the great initiatives undertaken, be it by HSE staff or voluntary organisations such as Good Morning Louth, meals on wheels and the community alert scheme. There are also great examples of sheltered housing, including Moorehall Lodge and Great Northern Haven, a local institute which uses virtual care accommodation and technology to provide a service for older people.

All that said, the reality is that if someone is sick or old at the weekend, he or she must wait. A person cannot be sick between Friday and Monday. There is a crisis looming. There is an over-reliance on nursing home care. We all know that it is the preference of those who are ageing to remain in their own home, with adequate support available to allow it to happen. However, the complete dearth of options between independent living and nursing care must be addressed. Funding for home care packages needs to be increased. My office is constantly frustrated at the number of calls received about people blocking beds needlessly because a package has not been put in place. I am aware that the Government is introducing an additional 550 home care packages, but the reality is that there are 680 waiting for such a package in my area alone.

I support Fianna Fáil's motion. A famous lady by the name of Eartha Kitt said ageing had a wonderful beauty, for which we should have respect. I urge the House to show respect for the motion.

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