SIPTU has stated that the decision of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to implement €8 million in cuts to Home Help services will reduce the quality of life of the most vulnerable and result in increased costs as more people are forced into full time hospital care.

SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “The decision by the HSE to implement cuts to Home Help services is morally unacceptable and illogical. Cuts in Home Help hours will not only reduce the provision of care to the most vulnerable in our society but will also result in more people having to avail of full-time care in a hospital setting. These outcomes go directly against the stated aim of the Government to develop community based health services and reduce spending.”

He added: “The reduction in Home Help services will also increase the hardships faced by the low paid workers who provide these services. Since July, SIPTU has attempted to engage HSE management in negotiations on the provision of adequate contracts, the maintenance of Home Helps’ working hours and their security of earnings. Due to management intransigence meaningful discussions have not been possible.

In September, SIPTU requested an emergency Labour Court hearing into the rapidly deteriorating treatment of Home Helps. The request followed the failure of the HSE to honour the terms of a Labour Court recommendation which proposed that management enter meaningful discussions on finalising an agreement to provide Home Helps with adequate contracts and security of earnings.