Calls for more support to be given to Home Care Assistants on North Longford

Cllr Garry Murtagh (pictured) called upon the council to write to the Minister for Health regarding the increased recruitment of healthcare assistants.

“I call upon Longford County Council to write to the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill,” Cllr Murtagh began, “For her department to actively recruit more Healthcare Assistants working in Home Support.

“The service is currently at breaking point in North Longford and no visual effort is being made to recruit Home Care Assistants who provide vital care and assistance to the elderly that wish to stay alive and or live in their own homes.”

Also Read: Gearóid Farrelly brings his hilarious new stand up show to Longford's Backstage Theatre

Cllr Murtagh also highlighted that since the HSE handed the roles over to private agencies, Home Care Assistants wage has dropped from the previous €22 per hour, to €14.

The motion received support from multiple councillors.

Paul Ross was the first to second the motion saying that it was, “vital for long-term care.”

Cllr Pádraig McNamara also supported the motion. He himself had first-hand experience with these services from when his late father was at home and dependent on them.

Also Read: Gardaí appeal for witnesses as male motorcyclist (50s) airlifted to hospital following Cavan crash

Cllr Martin Skelly backed the motion but added he believed that improvements should be made throughout the whole county and not just North Longford.

“People dedicate so much of their time to keep the elderly in their homes.

“I suppose that there is a human cost if we don't support more people.”

Cllr Martin Monaghan said, “It shows how stupid and nonsensical the HSE is at the moment.”