Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise this morning the issue of home help support in the context of preparations for budget 2019. While it is very positive that 1,096 people are in receipt of home help support in County Roscommon, we have a further 30%, or 306 people, who are on a HSE waiting list having been approved for home help support which has yet to be put in place due to either funding or staffing issues. We know how important it is to ensure people can stay in their own homes and receive assistance with personal and domestic tasks as they require it. It is also very important to support family carers properly through the relief home help hours and home help professionals provide in the community. We must ensure the allocation for home help is increased, in particular in County Roscommon and the CHO 2 area. It is of great concern that there is a further 30% need. Roscommon has one of the oldest populations in the country and we must ensure that we receive our fair share to support people to live at home for as long as possible, which is where they want to be. I have discussed this matter at length with the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, following many calls to me, in particular from family members across the constituency.It is very important that the Minister for Health and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, ensure there will be an increased allocation of home help hours.