I will ask about home support services, which are raised in my constituency office time and again by families across Cavan and Monaghan. Many people who have been approved for home support hours are still experiencing delays in receiving the care they have been assessed as needing. This creates understandable worry for older people who wish to remain living independently at home and places additional pressure on family members who often step in to fill the gap. Many people are currently waiting for approved home support hours to be delivered. I would welcome an update on the measures being taken to recruit and retain home support workers, particularly in rural areas, where staff challenges can be more acute. This issue has persisted for a number of years in Cavan and Monaghan, and in the country as a whole. Many families would appreciate reassurances that progress was being made to improve access to these vital services. The home support service can help with everyday tasks such as dressing, undressing and getting in and out of bed. What is the Government doing to make sure that staff and resources are in place to allow people who want to stay in their homes do so in Cavan and Monaghan?

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