Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The whole premise of Sláintecare is the right care, at the right time, as close to home possible. All I ever want to do is listen to the voice and choice of older people and make sure we can support them with the correct wrap-around supports at home. As I have said, we are spending €666 million on home care every year. That is the budget. That was increased by €150 million this year. To have the budget but to be short of carers is very disappointing. We are putting in place the strategic workforce advisory group, with the involvement of key stakeholders, including representatives from the sector. I have recently met with Home and Community Care Ireland, HCCI. There is involvement from education, because carers come in at a level 5 FETAC. There is obviously also engagement with the Government. The group will provide forum for practical action and collaboration, but we need to address things such as recruitment, retention, pay and conditions, skill development and sustainability of employment into the future. I want to see that first meeting happening as soon as possible.

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