Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State seems to be justifying the fact that 6,000 vulnerable people are waiting for home care in their own homes by saying there were 6,000 last year as well. That is a huge indictment of him as the Minister of State responsible. Why has he not ensured that sufficient funding is available to clear these waiting lists? That is the scandal of this matter. However, not only is there inadequate funding provided for this year, as there was last year, but there is now the added implication of the EU directive on improving the conditions of home care staff, the whole question of travel time and other arrangements. It is only right that these arrangements should come into place. The Government should not have to have been forced to introduce them by the EU. However, given the fact that this directive now applies, it is extremely disingenuous of the Minister of State to suggest that nothing will change. What is the estimated cost of implementing the directive on travel time and other arrangements? The Minister of State said earlier that the number of hours should not change and that the HSE should find the money elsewhere. Where does he suggest the HSE find the money?

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