The numbers of people on trolleys throughout the country is vast. In University Hospital Kerry the situation is no different. Often, when elderly people are well enough to leave hospital they are told that they should access the fair deal scheme and go into a nursing home. Many elderly people are reluctant to do this because they believe the next step is the graveyard. They see it as the departure lounge.

We could do far better for these elderly people if more public health nurses were provided and if more home help was provided to look after these people in their own homes. Many of them would prefer that. However, they are only able to get home help for five days.

That is not good enough because they are sick and need attention seven days a week, including on bank holidays and other holidays. I appeal to the Taoiseach, the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, and the Ministers of State at his Department to do something about this issue. It is creating a logjam in hospitals.

We are facing into a winter of discontent for health services. High numbers on trolleys, late discharges which have led to the loss of 135,000 bed days already this year, and 6,200 people awaiting home care supports compound the issue. Will the Minister for Health advise when the HSE's national service plan will be published and in place in order that the correct preparations can be made by service providers?

I am pleased that the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, and I were today able to announce funding for 550 extra home care packages in the period between now and the end of the winter. This will help significantly to address the issue about which Deputy Butler rightly talks of trying to reduce the number of delayed discharges in order that people can actually-----

How many will be in place before the end of the year?

I believe over 300 will be in place by the end of the year, but I will revert to the Deputy in that regard. I believe there will be 300 this year and 200 next year. We will see a reduction in the number of delayed discharges. I have specifically asked the Minister of State to lead a task force in the Department which will work with the HSE to drive down the numbers. At the request of the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Griffin, I asked the special delivery unit in the HSE to visit Kerry University Hospital to look at how we can continue to improve and support it. It will also benefit from the extra home care packages.

When will the national service plan be published?

I will decide on its publication when I receive it. I have to receive and approve it. I expect to receive it by the end of the month.