3236. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health if she will examine the need for increased and sustained funding for personal assistance services, PAS, to support people older people to live independently in their communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55377/26]

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 Programme for Government commits to “design a Statutory Homecare Scheme to allow people to stay in their own home for as long as possible”. The Department of Health is fully committed to delivering the design of the scheme and the operational and legislative reform that will be necessary to underpin it. A necessary pre-condition for any statutory scheme is to ensure that the sector is regulated. The Department of Health is developing a regulatory framework for home support providers with the aim of ensuring that all service users are provided with high quality care.

The Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Act 2026 has been signed into law as of 1 July 2026.