208 people in the region are lacking carers

There are 208 people living in an area including Sligo, Donegal and neighbouring counties who do not have carers.

The figures released to Sinn Féin have been slated by local TD Martin Kenny, who said that 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,” he said.

Figures released to Sinn Féin by the HSE reveal that almost 5,000 people across the state are waiting for a carer to be allocated to them despite being approved. Of these, 208 are living in CHO1, which covers this region. Mr Kenny said the figures expose a growing crisis when it comes to homecarers in Ireland. He said: “There are currently 208 people who have been approved for a carer in CHO area 1, but despite this have not been allocated a carer due to severe shortages.

“Almost 5,000 people are in this unacceptable situation across the state.

“This is unacceptable. Sinn

Féin has been warning for many years now of a looming crisis within the homecare system, as too many people who require homecare aren’t getting the hours that they need.

“This crisis has spiralled during the pandemic, yet the government has consistently failed to properly plan and put contingencies in place.”

Deputy Kenny called 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.