Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of the crisis in the home care sector. I would welcome if it would be possible for the Leader to arrange a debate on this subject. It is widely accepted that older people live longer and happier lives when they are in their own homes and communities. Home care packages are essential to facilitate this. I understand that more than 5,000 people are waiting on a carer to call to their homes. In my area of Cavan-Monaghan, 60 people are waiting on a carer and more than 300 people are waiting on additional hours. Again, no carers are available to provide those hours.

It must be acknowledged that the Government has increased the number of home care hours allocated and this is only right. This year, for example, more than 23.5 million hours have been approved, an increase of 2 million hours on the previous year. There is, however, a lack of carers, and this is a part of the problem. This comes down to issues such as pay and conditions and these issues must be addressed. I would welcome a debate on this matter. Many people have argued that the solution to this problem is to allocate the moneys or hours provided for a carer to a family member, if one is available, to provide care. In many cases, there are family members available.

We need creative thinking on this vital issue. As I said, older people live longer and more happily in their own homes. Of course, at some point, they may have to go into long-term residential care, but until that happens, we must do everything we can to support older people in their own homes. We need creative thinking in this regard. I understand a working group is examining this issue. I respectfully request that work be expedited. I would also welcome if this House could have an input and Senators could give our thoughts on how we can address this important issue.