Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

In advance of a meeting with the HSE on Friday in Athlone, will the Leader investigate through the Department of Health and Children home care packages in the midlands area? There have been serious cutbacks in this area as is evident by the number of people who have contacted me, in particular a 58-year-old man who suffered a brain injury who is taking up a very expensive rehab bed in Mullingar. The service costs between €5,000 and €7,000 per week.

Professor Drumm continues to talk about saving money for the HSE but only ten hours of an assistance package can be provided for the man in question to go home. That leaves five hours lacking. Health professionals have contacted me to try to secure the extra five hours. The budget of the Carers' Association has been cut by €40,000 and new applications are not being opened. I want the Department of Health and Children to provide answers in regard to home care packages in the midlands before we attend that meeting on Friday afternoon.

I asked about the case of another man approximately four weeks ago who also suffered from a brain injury. He is at home with no back-up facilities.

Another issue relates to the patient treatment fund. Will the Leader inquire about the length of time it takes for a hip replacement under the National Treatment Purchase Fund?