Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 736: To ask the Minister for Health if there are any proposed changes to his policy on day care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36273/12]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 737: To ask the Minister for Health in view of the upcoming budget, if he envisages a cut to the funding for day care centres; if so, the amount of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36274/12]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 738: To ask the Minister for Health if there are any contingency plans in place to cater for clients of day care centres in rural areas who could face closure due to continual budget cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36275/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 736 to 738, inclusive, together.

There has been no change to Government policy which is support older people to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible. This , as reflected in the HSE Service Plan 2012, is realised through a range of community based services such as Home Help, Home Care Packages, and a range of Day Care or Respite Care provision at local level. Where it is not possible to maintain an older person at home, the policy is to support access to quality long-term residential care.

The central challenge facing the health service this year, and indeed for the foreseeable future, is how to best meet the needs of older people for health and personal social services, in the light of diminishing resources and competing demands. This requires prioritising services, including Day Care services, towards those in greatest need while at the same time, pursuing planned reform and effectiveness of services overall. In this context, the issues raised by the Deputy are being kept under review, both in terms of the HSE managing its Service Plan for this year, and by the Government in agreeing the next Budget.