Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. In the brief time remaining, I will home in one point in the winter plan, namely, the provision of 4.76 million additional home support hours. I pay tribute to all the carers in houses throughout Ireland who look after both elderly people and those with disabilities. I am seeking a commitment that these additional hours will actually be made available. Additional hours were announced in last year's winter programme but there was no evidence of them for the people who need them. We certainly did not see them in my area of Longford-Westmeath. Families need to see them coming on stream. I ask for a commitment that the hours will be made available throughout the country.