Protecting the vulnerable, including supporting older people to remain at home and in their communities for as long as possible, is a priority for this Government. The issues raised by the Deputy in relation to services for older people for County Louth are being considered at present in the context of finalising the HSE Service Plan 2013, which will be published in the near future. However, as clearly indicated recently in relation to Social Care services under Budget 2013, the Government will next year restore to 2012 levels core provision of home help, home care packages and personal assistant hours.