Page 54 of the programme for Government states home help hours and home care packages will be increased every year. However, there are totally unacceptable circumstances in Laois and Offaly, where there are very lengthy waiting times for people waiting on home care packages. There are 650 people in Laois and Offaly waiting for at least 18 months. That contradicts exactly what is said in the programme for Government. Last year, there was a 27% cut to home help hours. I would like to know how the Minister will tackle this problem. What provision will be made in the upcoming budget? I have seen at first hand how elderly couples are really struggling to cope. It is a very unfair burden to place on the shoulders of carers, who save this State millions of euro every year.

First, there was not a 27% cut to home help hours last year. I am not sure where the Deputy got that figure. I assure her there was an increase of 754,000 hours of home help as a result of the budget last year. I do not know where the figure came from.

The Deputy will be aware that we are trying to introduce a new scheme, under statute, to guarantee home care delivery. We have a consultation process concluded. The report is due on my desk in the next week or two. I intend to put the associated measures into place as soon as I can with the co-operation of Members.

That concludes Questions on Promised Legislation. Ten Deputies have not been reached, unfortunately.