Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 507: To ask the Minister for Health the reason he is reducing home help hours and at the same time proposing to close a minimum of 555 public beds in community nursing units throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6497/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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6153Government policy is to support older people to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible. This is realised through a range of community based services such as mainstream Home Help, enhanced provision via Home Care Packages, or through other service elements such as Meals-on-Wheels or Day Care.

The recently agreed HSE Service Plan for 2012 involves a reduction in Home Help hours nationally, from around 11.2 million hours in 2011 to 10.7 million hours this year. While this equates to a reduction of 4.5% in terms of hours, the corresponding reduction proposed in the actual number of people receiving this service has been kept to 1.2% or, in other words, from around 50,600 recipients last year to 50,000 in 2012. This reflects an increased focus by the HSE on more personalised care for the most vulnerable older people. I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that the levels of community based supports for older people contained in the HSE Service Plan maintains Home Care Packages for this year at 2011 levels.

In the case of public nursing homes, the HSE is facing a number of challenges including staffing, funding and environmental factors around the age and structure of the units. A further reduction in staff is anticipated between now and the end of February, and the HSE have been asked to carry out a risk assessment in relation to the staffing situation. The Plan anticipates that a minimum of 555 beds will close in the course of the year. It should be noted that this is an indicative number only. The HSE is also carrying out a viability review of all its long stay nursing homes. The review is focusing on a number of areas including the unit's ability to meet HIQA Standards in terms of environmental structures; staffing availability; and location and stock etc.

The approach indicated above, in tandem with various other measures contained in the HSE Service Plan for this year, reflects the commitment of the Government to provide the best possible services to the most vulnerable older people, in light of increasing competing demands, and severe resource limitations overall.