John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Taoiseach. I agree with him that the resources are there; the problem is in recruitment and ensuring we get enough staff in place to continue. Our population is ageing and needs are increasing. The State must respond proactively, not reactively. The principle here is simple. People should be supported to live at home for as long as possible. The State must ensure the supports required are available when needed, not months later. Home support is one of the most empowering, cost effective and socially valuable services we provide. Strengthening it must be a priority for the Government, the HSE and for us all. I will continue to work with families and their carers to ensure that every individual who needs assistance can receive it promptly and reliably. A strong home support system is central to a compassionate and functioning healthcare system. We owe it to our older citizens and those who rely on those services to ensure it is properly delivered, fully staffed and adequately funded. The HSE must act with urgency here. Sadly, the recruitment I have seen in Cork is nowhere near the urgency that is required in this situation. We need immediate and targeted measures to recruit and retain home support workers across the country and in our own county of Cork.

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