Irish Rural Link and National Meals on Wheels Network Welcome Inclusion of the Network and Meals on Wheels in the Draft Programme for Government
The National Meals on Wheels Network – a network of meals on wheels’ providers across Ireland – and Irish Rural Link (IRL), the national network representing the interests of rural communities, have welcomed the inclusion of the Network and Meals on Wheels in the draft Programme for Government.
As part of the new Government’s overall objective to support older people in living at home within their own communities, the draft Programme states:
“Increase funding for the national Meals on Wheels network and develop a plan to ensure there are supported providers in every town in the country.”
For many years, IRL and the Meals on Wheels Network have advocated for better recognition of Meals on Wheels as part of a continuum of care for older people, supporting them to age in their homes and communities. The Government’s commitment to increase funding for this service is a welcome step and will help providers continue delivering essential support. However, we continue to call that this funding must be multi-annual funding so that providers can plan and budget for the service.
The National Meals on Wheels Network is entering its 10th year, having been established in 2015 under the umbrella of Irish Rural Link. Over this time, the Network has launched its website and an interactive map of 305 Meals on Wheels providers (in September 2021), and IRL successfully secured funding to appoint a development officer to manage and grow the Network. This role has been vital in providing targeted support to providers. The Network not only assists these providers with the practical sharing of information but, more importantly, gives them a platform to ensure their voices are heard. This collective effort is key to designing a country-wide model that supports clients in living independently in their own homes.
Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link, states: “Meals on Wheels continues to play an important role in the delivery of health and social care within the community and will remain crucial as the population ages. The commitment outlined in the Programme for Government to increase funding for both the Network and service providers is essential to ensure that this service can continue and be an integral part of the overall healthcare system moving forward.”
Tracey Noone, Development Officer of the Network, adds: “The National Meals on Wheels Network welcomes the inclusion of the Network and the Meals on Wheels sector in the draft Programme for Government. The sector is an essential frontline service in both urban and rural areas. However, it is underfunded, with inconsistencies in funding allocation across all Regional Health Areas. Gaps exist in every county, and it is imperative that a comprehensive plan is developed to increase funding for both the Network and the sector as a whole to address these challenges. The Network looks forward to engaging with the Department of Health and its new ministers, as well as other relevant departments, to introduce the Network and discuss the issues outlined here.”
Ends
For further information, please contact (anytime):
Seamus Boland (Chief Executive) 0862491153 or Louise Lennon (Policy and Communications Officer) 0861069244
About Irish Rural Link:
Irish Rural Link represents the interests of locally based rural groups in disadvantaged and marginalised rural areas by highlighting problems, advocating appropriate policies, sharing experiences and examples of good practice. It has a membership of nearly 600 rural community groups dedicated to sustainable rural development and represents rural communities at a national and international level.
