James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State used the words “priority” and “targeted”, yet Wexford, with the third worst waiting list for home care package provision, has the fastest growing list. It does not make any sense that, if packages are being prioritised and targeted, neighbouring counties have no waiting lists. It seems to be more a question of implementation, targeting and prioritising.

We know living at home with home care aids people’s dignity, quality of life and safety. It also saves the State a phenomenal amount of money. It is the cheapest place to keep people, as well as the healthiest. It allows people to be discharged and go home. In Wexford, there are people in step-down beds ready to go home but cannot get the home care package to do so. In turn, this prevents people in hospital from getting a step-down bed. Home care makes financial sense. More importantly, it makes moral and common sense to provide home care. Will the Minister of State examine why over 700 people are on waiting lists in Wexford while neighbouring counties have none?

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