The Taoiseach will be aware the provision of home help services is vital support that allows many older people and those with additional needs to remain living independently in their homes. Recent rankings from Home and Community Care Ireland place County Longford second, with the highest number of people on a waiting list for a service. In my constituency office, I continue to meet families. Some of these have no service and some are grateful for a limited service. There are staff shortages particularly at holiday periods and we are seeing hours reduced or even missed in cases. I fully recognise that efforts have been made in recent times through the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, to expand it. We had a care provider that gave notice to the HSE that it was no longer providing care. I know there was a consultation and the provider is back but we still have a major problem, particularly in north Longford. We have elderly people going into nursing homes for respite because the home help is not available in the house. I am looking for a commitment that we will look specifically at this and target this area in north Longford to make sure we have a sufficient service provided to those who are most vulnerable in our society.

I thank Deputy Carrigy. I know the particular interest he has in this matter. Specifically, on north Longford, he raised an issue about one provider that has now restored its service. I am working with the Department officials and the HSE to look specifically at north Longford and other areas where there are large waiting lists. Some €82 million additional funding has gone into home support this year. With 1.7 million additional hours, I want to focus on those specific areas. I will continue to work with the Deputy and with my Department and the HSE to look at how we can address those issues in the Deputy's particular case in north Longford and in other areas as well.