Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Home support services are dire at present. Elderly and vulnerable people who are sick are being told they have been approved for home support hours but it is not possible to get staff to fill these positions. When is the HSE going to wake up, smell the coffee and decide it must have better conditions and supports for these very valuable workers as part of an effort to retain these workers and recruit more of them? The HSE cannot just wipe its hands and say "Tough" and it cannot get staff. Across the economy, businesses and everybody else are struggling with staff, so the HSE must adapt. It is just not good enough to tell people they have been approved for home support. People's hours are now being approved very quickly but the HSE is then telling them there is nobody available. People are getting a standard reply. It is not acceptable. People need home supports. It keeps them out of hospitals and frees up hospital beds. It is a win-win situation for everyone if this is done right.

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