Over 6,000 of the most vulnerable people in our society, including older people and those with disabilities, are waiting for home support services across the State.
Home care packages and home help hours are among the most important services that the HSE provide. Not only do they allow for older people to stay in their homes, but they are also incredibly important for those with ailments or disabilities. I am contacted on a daily basis by constituents who are waiting for vital home supports.
Unfortunately, this Government, with the support of Fianna Fáil, has taken the decision to underfund the service to the point that there are 6,118 people waiting for a home support service across the State.
In CHO Area 2, encompassing Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, the figure of 1,525 people is disproportionately high. Rural Ireland is, as usual, is severely underserved.
Getting older or having a disability should not leave you invisible to the State. The State must supply sufficient funding to ensure that our citizens in need of care can live at home with respect, with dignity, and with as much comfort as possible.
