Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a lot there but I take very seriously the point the Deputy made on behalf of the people in CHO 8 and more broadly the point she made regarding HCCI and its very worthwhile and constructive report, which was published recently. I undertake to comprehensively respond to and engage with that organisation and with others. I am lucky enough to be sitting beside the Minster, Deputy Butler, who worked in this area for a number of years. The Department of Health was not pleased with the approach that was taken regarding CHO 8. This was articulated to the HSE in writing. A total of 24 million hours were provided last year and we doubled the budget during the lifetime of the previous Government. I accept that there is still unmet demand. We are going to need to get to that point of delivering the major reform of a statutory homecare scheme but let me ask the Minister to come back directly to the Deputy on CHO 8.

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