The need for additional home care packages for counties Roscommon, Mayo and Galway is reaching crisis levels, with many families now losing vital hours they had previously been allocated.

That’s according to Roscommon-Galway Fianna Fail TD Eugene Murphy who raised the matter in the Dail this week with the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Helen McEntee.

Deputy Murphy gave examples of families that have seen cuts in the hours allocated to them – a situation which Minister McEntee admitted was a concern for her.

 Deputy Murphy said homecare supports are critical in maintaining people in their homes and communities, while the Minister admitted the budget for homecare packages is not enough.