Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

This is a significant budget. It represents a critical investment for the future, with a total expenditure of almost €117 billion, alongside an additional package of €9.4 billion. These are substantial figures that reflect the Government's commitment to enhancing services and supporting those in need. I particularly welcome the emphasis on increasing the number of residential care places and home support hours and expanding respite services. These are practical, day-to-day solutions that can transform the lives of many individuals and their families.

In 2026, we will see a €215 million increase in funding for services for older persons, a rise of over 7% compared with 2025. This is a significant and necessary investment that acknowledges the growing needs of our ageing population. Of that overall amount, €82 million is earmarked for home support services, which will allow more people to live independently in their own homes and communities. This funding will translate into an additional 1.7 million hours of home support, bringing the total to 26.7 million next year. It is essential that we empower our older citizens to maintain their independence while ensuring that they receive the care they deserve.

I regularly hear from families and individuals who are seeking home help support. Many simply request an extra hour of assistance on weekends or an earlier morning visit. This budget's additional funding will work to address those needs, ensuring that we can provide tailored support that fits the unique schedules and demands of the families we serve.

The feedback I receive indicates a growing demand for increased home care packages. Many families juggle work commitments, caregiving responsibilities and other obligations. By expanding our funding, we can not only extend hours for existing services, we can also introduce new options for those who may need assistance during peak times when they are most busy. The impact of this support goes beyond mere logistics; it fosters peace of mind for families knowing that help is available when they need it most. Whether it is assisting with daily tasks, providing companionship or simply ensuring safety at home, these additional hours can significantly improve the quality of life for both caregivers and their loved ones.

Additionally, €92 million has been allocated to the fair deal scheme. This is aimed at bolstering the nursing home sector. This substantial increase will enable the sector to expand services and enhance quality, providing financial support for an additional 500 individuals seeking long-term residential care. With our ageing population and the increasing demand for comprehensive nursing home services, this funding is a crucial step toward addressing the pressing needs of older adults in our communities. This is the largest funding increase in the fair deal budget to date, enabling more older people to access necessary services and helping nursing homes meet rising operational costs. It is imperative that we continue to support these essential services because they allow families to find peace of mind in the knowledge that their loved ones are receiving appropriate care.

This budget includes an additional €2 million in funding for meals-on-wheels services. The latter are a lifeline for thousands of older individuals in our communities. This allocation marks a significant achievement, representing a more than 30% increase in funding compared with 2025. With this enhancement, we can deliver 2.7 million meals to approximately 18,000 people. Meals on wheels does more than provide food; it fosters connections, combats loneliness and ensures that our seniors feel valued and supported. This service is an embodiment of our commitment to caring for our elders and recognising their dignity and needs.

On the topic of social welfare, I am pleased to welcome the increase in income disregards for the carer's allowance. This change is significant and reflects our commitment to valuing the work of those who care for our loved ones. The Government made it clear in the programme for Government that we aim to eventually remove the means test relating to the carer's allowance altogether, which would be a substantial step forward for many families.

I am disappointed about the lack of measures in this budget to support workers on the personal taxation front. While it is true that our economy remains strong, this budget unfortunately does not provide tax relief to workers or put more money back into their pockets. The Minister indicated that this matter will be revisited in the future. I hope we can find a way to deal with it.

While there are areas that warrant further attention, this is a robust budget that lays a strong foundation for the future. It demonstrates our commitment to investing in essential services, supporting our older population, and ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our society.

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