Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Ó Clochartaigh for the invitation to visit the services in Galway during my next round of visits to services throughout the country. I disagree with the Senator that the HSE reply is a nonsense. I accept that there is a problem. During the discussions on the HSE social care plan additional home support hours were agreed. This particular case is a classic example of a person who should be benefitting in that regard. I will engage with various departments in the HSE and will put pressure on them to resolve this issue. What is going on is not acceptable, particularly for a person with motor neurone disease. I agree with the Senator that the situation is extremely difficult for the person concerned and for his family, particularly his young children. It is our duty to facilitate them. It has been stated that the cost of doing so would be approximately €775,000 per annum. With a little creativity and planning we can, hopefully, come up with a resolution.

I will make known to the HSE the Senator's views regarding the urgent need for resolution of this matter.