Home care package for Anthony Allen
Deputy O'Rourke highlights the case of Anthony Allen, who remains in ICU because a suitable home care package has not been secured. Minister of State Butler says home care funding is €726 million, about 56,000 people receive care, and she will investigate the case.
Anthony Allen is from Kells, County Meath. He has advanced motor neurone disease and has been an inpatient in the ICU in Cavan General Hospital since St. Valentine's Day 2023, one year tomorrow. Since March of last year, 11 months ago, his medical team have supported the plan to discharge Mr. Allen home but because of his high level of need this will require a specialised home care package. They have not been able to secure this. In the meantime, Mr. Allen continues to occupy a much-needed ICU bed and he and his loving family grow increasingly frustrated. What measures are being taken to ensure home care packages can be secured? I call on the Taoiseach and Minister to intervene in this case.
Comment on this
The budget provided this year for home care is €726 million. As I stand here today, approximately 56,000 people throughout the country are receiving home care. I know there are challenges at times. If the Deputy sends me the details of the specific case, I will have it investigated and will engage with him.