Question from Deputy Donna McGettigan - PQ 34066-26

To ask the Minister for Health to confirm that HSE home support (Clare) has approved a significant number of families for home care support which they are unable to provide due to staff shortages (that patients Clare HSE Home Support team are unable to support include the elderly, disabled, cancer victims and those suffering from chronic conditions, that this failure is increasing the burden and distress of patients and their families); the statistics for the number approved and the number currently not receiving care; if she is planning any initiatives to remedy this staff shortage; and if she will make a statement on the matter.