220. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that home support services are vital in enabling people to remain safely in their own homes; and if she will outline the rationale for the measures. [52061/26]

The Programme for Government commits to "Design a Statutory Homecare Scheme to allow people to stay in their own home for as long as possible." Enabling older people with care needs to continue to live independently at home for as long as possible, is a priority for the Government and as such it has committed to establishing a new Statutory Scheme for regulation of home support services, which the Department of Health is currently developing.

Investment in older persons services is a fundamental priority for this Government. The budget for home support for older people in 2026 is the largest ever, with investment more than doubling since 2018. Over €914 million euro has been allocated for 2026.

The target for home support increased from 24 million hours in 2025 to 26.7 million hours for 2026; an 11% increase. This is more home support than has ever been delivered before and represents a 43% increase in the target since 2020.

The Government remains committed to supporting people to age in place in their community through access to home support, complemented by community services like day centres, Meals on Wheels and more.

Home support is a vital service that is delivered to many people across the country every day by public, private and voluntary providers. A critical first step is ensuring that the home support providers are regulated.

An important development in the home care sector has been the enactment of the Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Act 2026 which introduces for the first time, the registration and regulation by HIQA and the Chief Inspector of Social Services of all of public, private and voluntary home support providers in Ireland. The Bill has been approved by Cabinet and was published on 22nd December 2025 being signed into law by the President on 1st July 2026. As the Bill has been enacted, the Department will continue to work with HIQA and in consultation with the sector, on the legal drafting of the secondary legislation (the regulations).

The new system of regulation for home support providers will ensure that the public can be confident that the services provided are of a high standard while bringing Ireland in line with best international practice.