Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Another issue I want to take up with the Minister is meals on wheels. It is protected and the budget for it is ring-fenced. Tús workers - formerly FÁS workers - provide meals on wheels. I have been working on a scheme since last April and it is proving difficult to get Tús workers to become involved with meals on wheels. If people are not kept in their houses, they go into nursing homes. It is a case of preventative medicine. The Minister should do anything she can to ensure Tús workers - formerly FÁS workers - are available and that it is attractive for them to become involved in order that they can go on to other training and methodologies for advancement. Producing meals for elderly people might not be that attractive. A special effort should be made to ensure people put themselves forward to avail of it. One meal a day could keep a person in her home. What is the cost to the State if she goes into a nursing home? It is an issue for the Department of Social Protection and I have raised it with the Department of Health as well. It is about saving money for both Departments.

It has been mentioned that the youth do not want to be on the dole. It is a matter of training. I have a question on the €46 million allocation to address youth unemployment and the associated youth guarantee scheme from Europe. It is for the over 18s and I realise it is aimed at people for employment measures and initiatives. Is it strictly for this purpose or could it also encompass people with disabilities to get them into training, education or work?