Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Do the Minister and his Cabinet colleagues have any idea of the devastating impact of cuts? A woman whom I will call "Chrissie" is a full-time carer for her sister Mary, who has had Wilson's Disease since she was 14 years old. Mary is now 58. "Chrissie" is also a half-time carer for her mother who is 84 with deteriorating health. Mary was recently hospitalised unexpectedly for surgery for a burst appendix. She spent three weeks in hospital and then got one week of respite in the wonderful Cluain Arainn unit in Tipperary town.

When "Chrissie" requested home help prior to her sister's discharge, she was told that none might be available. Mary normally has home help each morning for an hour so that she can be showered, dressed, receive tablets and have a small breakfast. It was devastating for her to have her sister come home feeling weak, ill-nourished and in need of being built back up and then be told that there might not be any home help. I have the letter from the HSE. It states that no home help was available because of maternity leave and sick leave. This is happening up and down the country. It is appalling. It is causing bed blocking in hospitals and a major crisis in emergency departments. This is totally insensitive but can we expect much more from the Fine Gael party? It is shocking.

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