I thank the Minister of State for taking this Topical Issue matter in relation to a very important issue in County Cork concerning the provision of home help home support services. Home support is often known as home help and is one of the most essential person-centred supports provided by our health and social care system. It is a service that allows older people and those with additional needs to continue to live safely, comfortably and independently in their own homes and communities. For many families across Cork and throughout the country, home support is not just a convenience; it is a lifeline. Every single day, home support workers carry out dignified and compassionate work that enables people to remain connected to their neighbours, communities and the place they call home. This sense of place, familiarity and independence has a proven and profound impact on a person’s physical and mental well-being. It gives reassurance to families, reduces isolation and promotes independence, values that must remain at the heart of our health service. We also cannot ignore the critical role that home support plays in easing the pressure on our hospitals. When adequate support is available in the home, unnecessary hospital admissions can be prevented and hospital discharges can happen more smoothly. For older people in particular, remaining at home with proper assistance is often far safer and far healthier than spending extended periods in acute settings. Home support services are a vital part of the wider solution to overcrowding, delayed discharges and pressure on our emergency departments. However, to fully realise the benefits of home supports, the service must be properly resourced, properly staffed and delivered in a timely and consistent manner. Too many people are waiting far too long for essential hours to begin and too many families in Cork are left in distress trying to bridge that gap. This is not acceptable. A service that is so fundamentally important cannot be allowed to operate under strain, uncertainty and chronic short staffing issues. I want to mention a couple of examples while I have the time in relation to what I have experienced over the past number of months in terms of the acute waiting list for home support in Cork. As of 11 November, the HSE responded to a parliamentary question by saying over 890 clients were wait-listed for home support in Cork city and county. Of those, 543 are waiting for a first-time service and 347 are waiting for additional hours to be allocated. This is not just an issue in Cork but one right across the country. I put in another parliamentary question in relation to the lists for the entire country. We have over 5,000 people who have been allocated home support home help who are waiting for that care to be provided. I say this with real respect but the HSE is not responding to requests from politicians, including me. I know that the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach has been involved in meetings with the HSE as well. It is just not happening. Despite the fact that we raised this issue in October, we are back here again at the end of January and there is still no alleviation of the pressure on the home support that is available in Cork. In fact, I believe it has got worse. This is the reality of what we are facing. I am asking the Minister of State to intervene personally with the HSE in relation to this matter. I am asking that a proper plan be put in place to recruit home support workers, be it in the public health service or in the private service, to ensure this service is continued in future for the people of County Cork.

Sentiment score: 0.28

I thank the Minister of State very much for his keen interest in this matter. I would appreciate if he could follow up with the HSE in Cork in respect of it. Investment in the home support is an investment in dignity, well-being and independence for thousands of people. It is also an investment in a more efficient health system that supports people earlier, prevents avoidable illness and ensures better use of our limited hospital capacity. Home support workers must be valued, supported and recognised for the essential front-line role they play. They deserve for fair pay, sustainable working conditions and the resources necessary to carry out their jobs effectively. There was a campaign to recruit home help support workers in Cork in July. As of 11 November, when the responses had been assessed, the HSE in Cork had identified 64 potential candidates but not one new home support worker was in place. That is not acceptable when there is such a long waiting list. Over 1,000 people in Cork and Kerry are waiting for home supports. Some 64 candidates were identified in the period between July and November but they have not been appointed. The principle here is simple. It is not a funding issue; it is a resource issue. People should be supported to live at home for as long as possible. The State must ensure that the supports required are available to them when needed, not months later. Home support is one of the most empowering, cost-effective and socially valuable services that we provide in this country. Strengthening it must be a priority for the Government. It must also be a priority for the HSE and all of us going forward. I welcome the Minister of State's intervention. I encourage him to make contact with the HSE in Cork and to improve the situation. As public representatives, we cannot continue to have a situation whereby home help requests come in and action in respect of them is still not taken six months later. I would appreciate the Minister of State's support on this matter.

Sentiment score: 0.47