Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Again, I apologise to the Deputy if the answer was not adequate. We all want what is best for those who are ill in our communities, particularly those loved ones who spend a lot of time at home and people in nursing homes. I am not unfamiliar with the matter. When my mother was so ill at home, the local service made life easier for all of us when we were looking after her. It involves simple basic things like incontinence pads and other medical equipment that will help people stay at home and help their carers and families to give them the care they need at home. I did not decide that there would be a process for this. I believe that at some stage, we must look at local care and connect that through our primary care centres. Regarding why this problem has arisen, I can only relay to the Deputy the answer I have been given but I assure him that everything is being done through the HSE and the Minister to keep the services and the supply chain in place and to make sure it is done effectively and efficiently in each local area. That is what we all want. Nobody wants to see anybody, particularly people caring for those who are ill, being left without incontinence pads or other medical devices in their local communities. The Deputy may not agree with the procurement process. Probably some of us here do not agree with it either but it is in place. It is most important to make sure whoever gets this contract delivers effectively and on time to those people caring for their loved ones at home or in other health areas. I will take the Deputy's response back to the Minister and make sure he hears what the Deputy has had to say.

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