Page 82 of the programme for Government states: "We will improve supports and services for older people to live independently in their own home." Yesterday, the Care Alliance noted that 6,000 people are now waiting for help at home. To compound the issue, this number has increased by 30% in the past three years. We have an aging population, and it is essential that funding is ring-fenced in the service plan as a matter of priority for home help hours. In the long run, this would be cost-effective, because if the care was provided at home it would free up bed capacity in the acute system.

During the 70 plus days of negotiation in the formation of this Government it was correctly identified that caring for our older people is important, and that the best place to do that, if possible, was in the home. Clear commitments were given about a home care package, or a fair deal, so that people could remain in their own homes. We have the fair deal in nursing homes. When will it be provided so that people can be kept and cared for in their own homes?

On the first question, about the home help service plan, the Deputy is aware it is being negotiated at the moment with the HSE. Last year, there was a provision for 17 million home help hours. We hope to see an improvement and an increase on that, but I cannot commit to that until the service plan is agreed.

Regarding the bigger picture and Deputy Healy Rae's question about a fair deal-type scheme for home care packages, public consultation has concluded, and my officials are now drafting a new scheme of home care. I said at the outset that it would probably take up to three years to bring this about. We are approximately halfway through that process at this stage. It should be borne in mind that the fair deal scheme took seven years to be finalised. I hope to do this within three years. We are making steady progress on that, and I am happy to keep the House and concerned Deputies updated.