Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of home help and carers and the difficulty the HSE appears to be having in recruiting staff. I am aware of dozens of older people who are approved for a home support service but because resources are limited the HSE cannot follow through on its commitments. The HSE can outsource hours where required. I know all agencies are finding it difficult to secure staff at present, but why do a number of people I represent have to wait up to seven months? They are still waiting. In some situations on which I have worked I have sourced reputable private providers to provide the service, yet the HSE tells me it will not sign off on it. Can the Minister of State expand on this?

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