Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this Commencement matter and welcome the Minister of State to the House. We are all familiar with the magnificent meals-on-wheels services throughout the country and I am particularly acquainted with the service in my own area of south Kildare. The service is operated by a list of great operators including Rathangan Daycare Centre, St. Conleth's Daycare Centre, Newbridge Daycare Centre, Monasterevin Daycare Centre, Kilcullen meals on wheels and meals on wheels from St. Vincent's, Athy. These organisations are critical to sustaining our older population in their homes and it is important to thank everybody involved in these services. Many people volunteer their time and collect money and necessary finances to support the services that are ongoing in south Kildare.

The issue that I want to raise with the Minister of State today is the need for further investment and resources for the services in south Kildare and, as a knock-on effect, for the surrounding regions. I have recently been contacted by a large number of families who wish to avail of the service for their loved one. In many cases raised with me, the person has just been discharged from hospital or has unfortunately suffered a bereavement and finds him or herself in urgent need of a good daily meal during the week. The reason I raise this today is that unfortunately, there seems to be a waiting list for services in south Kildare. Having spoken about this with colleagues, I have also been told that there are waiting lists in other areas as well. The Minister of State is well aware of - and I do not need to outline - the benefits of providing a daily meal to those who find themselves in such a situation.

I will give two examples of cases that demonstrate what is going on for certain people and why they urgently need assistance and the services of meals on wheels. One is a gentleman who has been in hospital for almost a year on and off and who has just been discharged. He will need care and attention but unfortunately, the vast majority of his family live out of the country. The nearest relative he has is not in a position to visit him on a daily basis. His family are very concerned about his health and welfare. The second is a lady who unfortunately suffered a bereavement in the last few months. Her husband, who is now deceased, was her carer. She is not in a position to look after herself and again her relatives are either living out of the country or are not in the Kildare area. I have heard a number of cases like these in the last number of months. People are being told that there is a waiting list when they contact these magnificent services.

I know there has been some funding in the past. I want to mention the Monasterevin Daycare Centre. We have a new building opening there and were additional funding provided to them, they would be in a position to provide more services in that area.. I would appreciate it were the Government to consider that. I will conclude by putting on record my thanks to all those who operate the service. They are great services and additional funding and resources from the Government would create huge opportunities for those who are suffering, as well as their loved ones. Most importantly, as we all want, it would keep many people out of nursing homes and accident and emergency units in hospitals. I thank the Government for its support for meals on wheels and look forward to a positive reply.