Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:33. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the additional services that will be provided for older people’s care in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5031/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 22 January 2026
Ceisteanna (33)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Service Plan for 2026 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring older people receive the right care in the right place at the right time.
A key area of investment is in expanding home support services. The target home support hours to be delivered increases from 24 million hours in 2025 to 26.7 million hours for 2026, an increase of roughly 11%. Action will also be taken to reduce the home support waiting list. It is an aim of this Government to ensure that, regardless of where you live, you should have timely access to high quality care.
Additionally funding will be provided to deliver over 3.3 million Meals on Wheels. 313 day centres will be resourced to support 15,800 older people in 2026 and the Carer’s Guarantee will have a dedicated funding allocation. These services are invaluable in helping older people to maintain their health and independence. The social benefits both to the client and the wider community are clear, and their expansion will continue into 2026.
Also, under the National Service Plan for 2026, the HSE has committed to opening new Memory Assessment and Support Services in Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Mullingar, Waterford and Wexford, and to developing a Regional Specialist Memory Clinic in north Dublin to improve access to dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic support.