Vacant therapy and home care posts
Deputy McGuinness asked when occupational therapy and home care vacancies in Carlow and Kilkenny would be filled and suggested help from neighbouring counties. Minister Daly said he did not have the local figures but would follow up, noting the new therapists and statutory home care plan were meant to address staffing shortages.
I inadvertently overlooked Deputy McGuinness but I know he will be very orderly with his brief question.
Comment on this
Can the Minister of State give any indication as to when the vacant posts of occupational therapist and home care personnel will be filled in counties Carlow and Kilkenny? There is a significant backlog and apparently there are difficulties in getting people to fill the positions. Will the Minister of State allocate the services of other counties to ensure the people of counties Carlow and Kilkenny can receive the services they require immediately? It is a big issue.
Comment on this
I do not have the local information sought. On home care services, I referred to the statutory scheme and what we were planning to do to address the lack of personnel. The recruitment of 100 additional therapists has just been completed and will have an impact. I do not know offhand how many are in the Deputy’s area, but if he wants me to find out, I will follow up on the matter for him.