Page 70 of A Programme for a Partnership Government states the Government is committed to increasing supports for people with disabilities. The current chronic lack of home care packages and the level of respite care for people with disabilities is shameful. I spoke to many people who attended the recent protest outside the gates of the Dáil to plead for an increase in home supports, home care packages and respite care. People in counties Laois and Offaly are frustrated at the lack of home care packages and respite care. The progress made since the publication of the national carers' strategy in 2012 has been dismal. Will the number of home care hours be increased?

I am taking this question on behalf of the Minster of State, Deputy Finian McGrath. An additional €10 million was allocated to the budget for respite care, specifically home care packages. Disability network managers are also being introduced around the country, as Deputy Nolan is aware. It is hoped that once that recruitment is complete, the services available to people will improve.

On home care packages in general, there is a challenge facing the entire sector and people with all types of care needs, not just people with disabilities. We are spending €450 million in this area this year. That budget has increased from €300 million since the Government took office. That is a significant increase but demand also continues to increase at an alarming rate and it is very hard to keep up.