Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am concerned that we are facing a winter of discontent for people waiting for homecare supports. New data revealed to me last weekend showed that the list of those waiting for supports has jumped from 6,238 in March to 7,346 in July. These figures are enormously disappointing as they show the extent of the unmet need nationwide. We all know the importance of homecare support. It is Government policy to support people at home with the correct wrap-around help. Unfortunately, that has become very difficult given these figures.

Government policy prior to the recess clearly stated there was no moratorium on new supports for people living at home. The figures now tell us something much different. Shockingly, Waterford showed the highest increase from 31 people waiting in March to 124 people waiting at the end of July. I know we were coming from a low base, but that is a 300% increase. When will this moratorium be lifted so that people who need homecare supports can avail of them?

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