107. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Health if her Department is aware of circumstances in which elderly couples residing together and both in receipt of approved home support hours may experience unmet care needs due to home support staff restrictions on carrying out tasks solely for the individual to whom a particular visit is allocated; whether her Department will examine a more person-centred and household-based approach to the delivery of home support services in such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51552/26]

Investment in older persons services is a priority for me and this Government. The budget for home support for older people in 2026 is the largest ever. Over 914 million euro has been allocated for 2026.

The Department is focused on developing a regulatory framework for home support providers.

Home support hours are allocated for tasks to individuals based on their assessed needs. It falls within the parameters set out in the HSE National Service Plan (NSP).

The Department recognises the importance of person-centred and integrated care. If an elderly couple live together, each are assessed individually and the service is delivered accordingly, based on the needs of each individual.

The Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme and the Enhanced Community Care Programme are important. They aim to provide holistic and coordinated supports.

The Department continues to engage with stakeholders and review service delivery to ensure that home support is responsive.

The Department remains open to examining ways to further enhance the flexibility and person-centredness of home support provision as part of ongoing reforms.