Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There remains a particular focus in the Cabinet subcommittee on health on the recruitment of people into the health and disability services. Cope Foundation in Macroom was to have a seven day per week service to support clients and their families. While that was approved, it is still not possible to deliver it because Cope Foundation has not recruited people. Similarly, there is a serious situation with care assistants and home help workers, in that up to 20% of posts in the Cork and Kerry region remain vacant. These are vital services to support people who want to live at home and in their communities in order that they can avoid hospital. It is also an issue of backing up carers. It is an issue that is constantly raised with me in my office by people who are approved services but who cannot find people to deliver the service. The HSE has confirmed that there is a particular issue locally in Ballincollig, Dunmanway, Macroom and Millstreet, where it is struggling to recruit home help workers. Can the Cabinet subcommittee bring a particular focus or plan to ensure that community services continue to be provided?

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