Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on the motion and thank Independent Ireland for bringing it forward. I fully support the motion and its call on the Government to abolish the means test for carers to ensure equal access to financial support, and to recognise the essential social and economic value of care work in communities. I also support its call to provide increased capital and operational grants to community hospitals, residential care homes and day centres, including specific provision for dementia care and disability-friendly infrastructure.

Having worked in healthcare, I understand how important it is that our community hospitals and residential care homes are properly funded and resourced, especially in Donegal. From Malin Head to Arranmore Island, access to community care is vital for people living in rural Ireland. Despite this, community care is too often overlooked and underfunded. Investing in community hospitals would ensure that patients do not have to travel long journeys unnecessarily, which rural patients so often do.

Community hospitals also have the potential to take significant strain off our model 3 and model 4 hospitals. If patients in Donegal could attend some routine appointments at their local community hospital, it would take considerable pressure off Letterkenny and would lead to far fewer appointment cancellations. It is shocking that over 6,000 appointments were cancelled at Letterkenny University Hospital last year due to increased emergency department attendances, staff shortages and infection outbreaks. This is a massive 44% increase compared to 2023, which is outrageous.

It is clear that Donegal people are at a severe disadvantage in terms of healthcare and this is outlined in black and white. The inequality between Letterkenny University Hospital and other hospitals is truly mind-blowing. The recent suggestion, for example, to locate a surgical hub in Sligo instead of Letterkenny was a slap in the face for every single person from Donegal, especially when we know that, both distance-wise and population-wise, Letterkenny makes the most sense. As I have said before, this is not a Donegal versus Sligo thing. The north west, as a region, needs far more focus and investment. There should be a surgical hub in both Donegal and Sligo.

There are almost 10,700 unpaid carers in Donegal, which is 6% of the county’s population. That is over 10,000 people who do not get a cent for the incredibly difficult and important work they do within their communities, caring for people. It is a disgrace and completely undermines the vital role played by carers in supporting older people and people with disabilities within their homes and communities. It is time the Government valued the essential work of our carers and front-line healthcare workers.

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