Figures expose shortage of home carers - Guirke

Sinn Féin TD for Meath West Johnny Guirke has called on the Government to act urgently to ensure carers are available to assist people who need home support, after new figures revealed that almost 5,000 people across the State are waiting for a carer to be allocated to them despite being approved.

“In total 554 people have been approved for a carer in CHO 8 area, which includes Meath West, but despite this have not been allocated a carer due to severe shortages.

“Behind every statistic are real lives and real people who are being let down by the State. People with disabilities and older people should have every right to lead full, independent lives and receive sufficient support from the state to meet their needs.

“In response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin spokesperson on Disability and Carers, Pauline Tully TD, the government acknowledged that "factors, such as the contracts of employment on offer and employment terms and conditions being offered are a factor in the recruitment challenges faced by the sector".

“I am calling on the Government to engage with private and community and voluntary homecare providers to incentivise the progression of the terms and conditions they offer their staff and bring them into line with those employed directly by the HSE.”