Patricia Conboy, director of Older & Bolder, an alliance of non-governmental organisations (Including the Irish Hospice Foundation) that champions the rights of all older people, commented: “The partial reversal of cuts to home care is an example of positive engagement with the political system. People around Ireland voiced their concerns about home care cuts to their local TDs (Teachta Dála) who in turn lobbied for a change at cabinet level. This interaction stalled the cutting process by highlighting the illogicality of the cuts. The end result is that fewer older people have lost vital home help hours or home care packages than was originally intended.”
Older & Bolder shared with supporters how their local TDs voted when presented with an opportunity to reverse the cuts to home care services. The results of votes on parliamentary motions are a matter of public record but the details are often not widely publicised. Supporters were encouraged to contact their TDs urging them to lead a reversal of the cuts.
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