Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 July 2026
207. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health whether clinical recommendations regarding home support hours may be reduced or declined for budgetary or resource reasons notwithstanding an assessed care need; if so, the policy basis for this practice; the number of occasions on which this has occurred during 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51904/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe budget for home support in 2026 was the largest ever at circa €914 million, increasing by nearly €76 million on Budget 2025 and represents an increased investment of over 87% when compared to the 2020 budget of €487m.
More home support is being delivered than has ever been delivered before. Approximately 26.7 million hours will be delivered this year, representing a 43% increase in targeted hours since 2020. Currently the waiting list for these services is predominantly due to the shortage of care workers to deliver services. Addressing this shortage is a priority for Government.
The Home Support Service is managed by regional Home Support Management Teams within available resources to ensure that this key service is available at the required times, in a flexible way and at the appropriate standard to support clients’ assessed needs. Those assessed and waiting on either new or additional service are prioritised based on their individual assessed needs and within the resources available across the Health Region. The HSE has confirmed that Priority is given to those in the community with acute needs.
Additionally, I would like to advise that the HSE has confirmed that there has been no changes to the processing of referrals or provision of Home Support/Home Care Services as reported for the CHO7 area or in the wider Heath Region.
