Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The recent Budget included an additional 2020 provision of €10 million (€60 million in a full year) for the enhancement of community and primary care. I particularly welcome the advance commitment to €60 million in 2021 as it will enable the recruitment of up to 1,000 therapists, nurses and other professionals in the community on a phased basis during the course of next year. This will allow for these funded posts to be in place by the end of next year and throughout 2021 in order to address the needs identified in the Health Service Capacity Review recommendations. This funding will also facilitate the recruitment of dementia advisers. The planning for these posts will be in conjunction with the development of the new regional health areas so as to reflect the specific needs of the region.