Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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495. To ask the Minister for Health to consider increasing the funding allocation to an important service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46665/23]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Over many years, both Day Care and the Meals on Wheels service have proven to be important components of the community services offered to older people, particularly in rural communities.

In May 2023 I announced the allocation of €5.25 million funding for Meals on Wheels and Day Centres for older people to organisations across the country.

Budget 2024 has seen increased investment in both areas building on recent investment to support these services. Community services are the backbone of social care provision and play an important part in keeping older people out of hospital and in their own homes and communities for longer. We will be investing an additional €2.7 million in 2024 for Day Care Services and an additional €1 million for Meals on Wheels nationally.