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

I thank Senator Hopkins. I will respond to the points she raised. First, I will bring to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Harris, the point about non-profit providers to see if there is anything we can do about the hours. I accept the point the Senator made about the importance of the client and the care relationship. There must be stability and flow in such a relationship. That is my experience as well, particularly in the disability sector. If one chops and changes hours and carers that leads to instability, especially for older people and those with disabilities. That is a very important point.

I urge people to get involved in the consultation process which is currently taking place. Senator Hopkins also made points about other important issues such as the assessed need of people. We need to ensure that if people are assessed and certain hours are recommended that they get them. I am aware of problems with staffing in certain parts of the country but that is a management and human resources issue which we will have to deal with as well. If there is anything we can do in terms of supporting those who are affected in the cases to which the Senator referred then it will be done. If there are examples of significant stress experienced by families, especially involving senior citizens, we will do our best to see if we can plug the gaps. I agree that it is not acceptable for either an individual in need of care or a carer for a person to be allocated 30 minutes or one hour and 40 minutes. I will take the points that have been made and bring them to the attention of the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris.