Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome that answer from the Minister of State. She stated clearly and I accept that the issue now is not one of funding but involves a shortage of staff. I also welcome the establishment of the strategic workforce advisory group. To quote someone else, we must do the devil and all to ensure that we can deliver the staff required. It is as simple as that. The problem concerns added pieces to fill the gap. As this pilot is worked out, I would like to think that it will catch some of the mistakes made before. That could include communicating with people to tell them that it will be possible to offer them the enhanced package with weekend cover, even if not immediately, and that everything necessary is being done. Even if we know that is the situation, then we can be part of the messaging service. If that only served to give people hope in the form of letting them know that we are aware they are in a bad place now but that we will deliver for them, that would be welcome.

It is what is necessary, and we have had multiple reports in this regard. When it suits the family, the person involved and everybody wishes it, the whole idea is that it is necessary to offer the person concerned the ability to live in his or her own home. In situations where families are adding their help, support and capacity, they are doing a huge favour for the State. It is saving the State an absolute fortune. Therefore, we must add those bits of the picture which are missing now and which will make this option possible and doable. I welcome the work that the Minister of State is doing, specifically the meetings with the HCCI and the HSE. It looks like it is happening from the point of view of delivering this scheme. I would just like the Minister of State to add a wee bit more on the specifics. I know it is difficult for her to give me a timeline in this regard but it would be good to get some idea of a general scenario where we are on the correct road and that in two, three or four months' time, we should be in a situation where these types of issues are resolved. I may contact the Minister of State afterwards regarding these specific cases.

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