Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
1192. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plan to increase home support hours; the number of increased hours he plans to deliver over the lifetime of the Government; if he has a target for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15490/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOVID-19 is posing significant challenges for many areas of our Older People Services, including Home Support Services. In light of these unprecedented challenges, the HSE, at the outset, had to reassess its operation of Home Support Services nationally, to ensure that the assessed needs of those clients with the highest priority were and still are being met. The HSE, working with its approved home support service providers are endeavouring to maintain essential support services during this unprecedented public health emergency. In this context, the HSE has set out a prioritisation process for home support, which looks at delivering a service based on priority need across 4 priority categories.
As a result of that review of prioritisation, a number of clients with lower priority needs had their home support service temporarily ceased or reduced with the support of family members and/or alternative forms of volunteer provided local supports. In these cases, each client was contacted to advise of the assessment and decision, alternative support available and assistance given to ensure that essential requirements continue to be provided. The HSE continues to review both those clients whose home support service may have been temporarily suspended and those clients of higher priority currently in receipt of home support services.
The HSE is in the process of restoring services, where capacity exists. In order to maximise the capacity available, consideration has to be given to balancing delivery of service against suspended clients, clients assessed and waiting on commencement of home support services and the continued requirement to meet the needs of higher priority clients currently in receipt of services.
Having regard to broader public finances, I am committed to prioritising continued investment in the home support services. COVID-19 has shown that these services are needed now, more than ever, to keep people safe and well in their own homes.
The level of funding available for the Department of Health in 2021, and future years, and the quantum of services to be provided by the HSE, including home support will be considered as part of the annual national Estimates and budgetary process and National Service Planning.
