Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Regional Group for bringing forward this very important motion and the Social Democrats for lending me time to speak on this issue on behalf of the people of County Clare.

Bluebird Care provides approximately 91,000 hours of home care support to 173 clients in Clare every year. Its representative body, Home and Community Care Ireland, has made several representations to the HSE, the Minister of State and even to her Government colleagues regarding the delays with the 2023 tender. Not only does Bluebird feel devalued by being messed around so much, it also feels its hardworking care staff are not being treated fairly. It has been unable to update staff on a potentially increased package that offers a pay rise and properly remunerates them for travel time and mileage, which is very helpful at a time of high inflation, especially for those living in rural areas.

Between the 2023 tender and the proposed statutory right to home care, there is a unique opportunity to redefine services and invest in a flourishing sector, but the opposite is happening with a race to the bottom unfolding. Clare public participation network, PPN, reported that only 4.4% of home care hours in Clare are delivered directly by the HSE. That is compared with 49.6% in Limerick and 56% in north Tipperary-east Limerick. Clare has the highest number of people on waiting lists in community healthcare organisation, CHO, 3 due to staff shortages.

I recently spoke to Martin from Inagh. His brother, Michael, is due to be discharged from hospital but this is not possible as his home care hours have been slashed from 28 hours a week to just 14. The nature of Michael's condition means it will not be possible for him to return home, with half the home care support he was previously getting. Unless the Minister of State takes action, Michael will join the thousands of people throughout the country who are forced to live in nursing homes against their wishes because the State cannot provide the adequate care he deserves. For Michael and everyone in this situation, I urge the Government to support this motion.

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