Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his comments. He is correct that our older people have proven to be very resilient and that they have done everything asked of them. We are concerned about older people who, restrictions aside, are not in a position to leave their homes and are housebound or bed bound. In response, an additional 5 million home care support hours has been put in place this year to support those people in their homes, bringing the total number to 23 million. For those people who require reablement, particularly in the home, support packages have been provided.

I take on board the Deputy's points. We are looking forward to the reopening of day care centres, active retirement groups, men's sheds and women's groups very soon. That will be a positive step forward.

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