Kieran O'Donnell

Hear, hear.

As the Deputy said, there is a new and enhanced adaptation grant scheme, which brings in a lot of new innovations, including deductions from nursing homes fees and carers' fees.

The particular point he raised is something we are looking at. We will come back to him on it. This is an issue that is arising. We are looking at that aspect of the scheme.

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I am taking it on behalf of the Minister for Finance. As Deputy Byrne will be aware, the programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, includes a commitment to "Consider measures, in conjunction with the Department of Finance, to encourage gym membership and active participation in sport and exercise". The programme for Government also acknowledge…

I thank the Deputy. I have listened to the points he has raised, which are very comprehensive in nature. We all agree on the importance of encouraging greater participation in sport and fitness activities and continuing to support to those already participating in sport across all age groups. This acknowledgement is underpinned through the programme for Government commitment, as the Deputy stated.…

I thank Deputy Daly for giving me the opportunity to update the house on behalf of the Minister for Health on the developments at Roscommon University Hospital. To ensure delivery of the right care in the right place at the right time, there are robust systems and procedures to appraise, manage and deliver infrastructure projects required for the provision of health services. Projects are apprais…

Once again, I thank the Deputy for raising this issue, which is very important to the people of Roscommon. Roscommon University Hospital is a model 2 hospital in the HSE west and north-west region which provides vital services to the local population. There are robust systems and procedures to appraise management of and deliver health infrastructure projects to ensure delivery of the right care in…

I am pleased to take part in this debate on the future of healthcare for longer and healthier lives. I will touch on two topics, one of which, the statutory home care scheme, came up in the debate. I will give Members an update on that and then I want to speak about right-sizing, which falls under my brief as positive ageing, and housing options for people to age positively. The programme for Gov…

I thank Deputy Feighan. On a general category, this year home support has increased by €122 million. That is the largest ever. It is at €838 million. The Deputy did not reference a specific area so he might come back to us.

Sligo-Leitrim. The funding is there. It is back to the individual regions themselves. The Deputy might come back to us so our Department can follow up with the HSE locally to ensure the funding is in place for that provision.