Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)

As previously noted, the boarding-out scheme facilitates older people to remain in their communities, which is important, where their level of care or needs do not require them to enter residential care facilities. It is all about getting some support locally. While the use of the boarding-out scheme by the HSE has traditionally been small, the potential of the scheme merits consideration and further exploration. I acknowledge that it may benefit from measures to allow for greater flexibility in the payment mechanism too. The Government aims to provide and fund services that allow older people to remain independent and living in their own homes with dignity and independence for as long as possible. Where staying at home is no longer an option, the State supports individuals to access long-term residential care. This model provides an example of how we can support people with additional needs in the community so that they do not have to enter long-term care facilities.

We will continue to develop and improve health services in the regions to meet this objective and to ensure quality and patient safety. In this vein, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, has requested that his Department consider this model of care in the context of the Government's overall commitment to enhancing opportunities for older people to stay in their homes and communities longer. I will bring the Senator's issues back to the Minister of State.