Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct. A lot of what she referred to is being done. She will be aware, on foot of the winter plan published last week, that additional resources are provided for home care, for the fair deal scheme and for aids and appliances. This will enable more people to get home from hospital and more people to be discharged sooner, thus freeing up hospital beds for patients who are acutely ill. As Deputy Butler recognises, there are often complicating factors. Families are allowed a choice of nursing home and this can cause delays. Some patients are wards of court and cannot consent for themselves. Some patients have very complex needs and require an individualised package to be put in place. The Deputy's point is very well made.

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