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

I thank the Minister of State for his response. It is welcome that an additional 138 applications have been made, with a few pending. Given that the quota was 1,000, that is far below the level of demand. To be fair to the Minister of State, Deputy Mary Butler, she has steadfastly fought to ensure adequate resourcing and funding in this sector. I believe there are approximately 23.5 million hours of home care provision being delivered annually. As of February this year, there are still approximately 6,000 patients who have been assessed and approved for home care provision, but who are yet to receive that support from a carer. It is welcome that we have responded and taken the steps outlined by the Minister of State. Is the Government considering any additional measures to ensure services are delivered, and those approximately 6,000 patients get the adequate provision for which they have been approved?

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