Deputy John Paul O’Shea, Fine Gael TD for Cork North West has called on the HSE South West to intensify recruitment efforts for home support workers as new figures reveal hundreds of people across County Cork are still waiting for vital home help services.
The figures, provided in response to a Parliamentary Question submitted by Deputy O’Shea to the Minister for Health, show that at the end of April 2026 there were 502 people in Cork awaiting a new home support service, while a further 259 existing clients were waiting for additional hours of support.
Deputy O’Shea acknowledged that the waiting lists have reduced slightly since November 2025, when 543 people were waiting for a new service and 347 people were waiting for additional hours, but said much more progress is required to ensure people receive the care they need in a timely manner.
“While it is welcome that there has been some reduction in the waiting lists for home support services since late last year, there are still far too many people waiting for essential care and support in their own homes,” Deputy O’Shea said.
“Home support services are absolutely vital in allowing older people and vulnerable individuals to remain living with dignity and independence in their own communities for as long as possible. These services also play a major role in helping people return home from hospital and reducing pressure on our acute hospitals.”
The HSE confirmed that all those currently on the waiting list are awaiting services due to carer availability issues. The response also outlined that 6,173 people are currently receiving home support services in County Cork and that 73 successful candidates have been identified through the most recent 2026 recruitment campaign.
Deputy O’Shea said every possible effort must now be made to further accelerate recruitment and retention measures.
“I am calling on the HSE South West to renew all efforts to hire additional home support workers and to examine every possible measure to improve recruitment and retention in the sector. We need to continue driving these waiting lists down and ensure the people who need these services can access them without unnecessary delays.”
“Our population is ageing and demand for home support services will continue to increase in the years ahead. It is essential that staffing levels and supports keep pace with this growing demand so that older people can continue to receive the care and assistance they deserve in their own homes.”
Deputy O’Shea added that he will continue to engage with the HSE and the Department of Health to press for additional resources and staffing supports for Cork.
Advert for previous recruitment campaign for Home Support Workers in Cork
