Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising the issue. The overarching policy of the Government is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and to support access to quality long-term residential care, where this is appropriate. The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of health and personal social services, including home help an home care packages, meals on wheels, respite or day care and a range of other community-based services.

Day centres such as those provided by Ballinasloe Social Services provide invaluable support, advice and social interaction for older people who may, for any number of reasons, be experiencing isolation and loneliness. Ballinasloe Social Services has been operating as a social outlet in the area since 1972 and operates Monday to Thursday. Traditionally, the services provided have included services within the remit of what is now Tusla, Ballinasloe Social Services and the HSE. Personnel, including public health nurses and physiotherapists, have collaborated in the provision of services for older people.

The day care service is provided four days a week and staffed on a full-time basis by one nurse whole-time equivalent. This post is filled by a number of nurses from the pool at St. Brendan's CNU, Loughrea, as the Senator outlined. There is no embargo on the filling of this post. On the basis that the post of permanent, full-time nurse is a stand-alone position, the HSE has experienced difficulties in filling it. However, every effort is made to provide continuity of care through the pool of nurses.

Since 2011, the HSE has provided €131,000 annually for Ballinasloe Social Services through a section 39 grant. As we are all aware, the Health Service has been through a number of very difficult years, probably the most difficult in modern times. However, there is good news on the resources front and we have a little more money than previously. This year we secured the first increase in health spending in seven years and next year we will have nearly €900 million more compared to budget 2015. Notwithstanding the better economic news recently, resource availability remains tight across the health service. However, the Government remains fully committed to using the resources available in the most effective way possible and in a way that best matches the needs of service users. The HSE is continuously working to develop services on this basis. A priority for 2016 will be the development of an integrated model of care, with a strong emphasis on home and community care.The level of services to be provided by the available funding will be set out in the HSE's 2016 national service plan which is currently being prepared by the Executive.

While I welcome the increase in funding for the health services in 2016, I do not underestimate the continuing challenge of delivering the services required against a backdrop of growing needs. It is essential that we continue to focus on cost containment, productivity and efficiencies, as these will continue to be a major cost pressure on the health service into the future. These pressures include an increased and aging population, an increase in chronic conditions and new and expensive medicines and treatments.

The HSE acknowledges the significant and valuable contribution made year after year by Ballinasloe Social Services and it looks forward to continuing its collaboration in the future with the mutual goal of providing the best possible care for older people in that area. The negotiations on funding are always carried out between the service and the HSE on a service level agreement. The service provided is appreciated.