Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 June 2025
19. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of individuals who have been approved for home care hours in Mayo but have yet to have hours released to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35002/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to home support is a priority for this Government with the budget for home support in 2025 standing at circa €838 million, the largest allocation ever. This is an increase of nearly €122 million on Budget 2024 and an increase of over 70% compared to the 2020 budget of €487m.
In the Mayo area for the month of May 2025, the HSE reports that there were 1,588 people availing of home support services with over 51,198 home support hours delivered. The waiting list at the end of May for the Mayo area stood at 265 people with 149 people waiting for their home support package to commence. The remaining 116 people are currently in receipt of home support services and are waiting for additional home support hours.
The number of clients in receipt of the service has decreased recently due to the non-availability of Health Care Support Assistants. The HSE has assured my Department that they are actively recruiting carers on an ongoing basis and have engaged with provider organisations to encourage them to do the same.
Advertisements for these positions are issuing in the next week for multiple locations across Mayo with panels in place for other areas to replace posts as they become vacant through staff retirements or resignations.
We in Government remain committed to supporting the recruitment of Home support workers within the sector nationally.
