Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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839. To ask the Minister for Health to enact legislation setting out the statutory right to home care to recognise the vital role of primary care and the right to that care for elderly persons in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10297/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The creation of a statutory entitlement would not be possible in this context as services can only be provided in line with the resources that are available. However, it is my objective to ensure that available resources are deployed to achieve the best possible outcomes for older people.

With a Budget of €324m in 2016 the HSE’s projected target, set out in its National Service Plan, is to deliver

(a) 10.4 million Home Help Hours to about 47,800 people at any one time

(b) 15,450 people will be in receipt of a HCP at any one time.

(c) 130 Intensive HCPs for clients with complex needs (A further 60 clients with dementia will be supported by funding provided by Atlantic Philanthropies.