Tuesday 4th March 2025
Speaking today to announce her appointment as the new chair of Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI), former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald said: “I am passionate about the delivery and development of home care services in Ireland and the central role of HCCI members to deliver. I, along with the CEO of HCCI, intend to build on our strong partnerships we have with the HSE and DOH to ensure the public get the home care service they deserve. High quality, consistent and regulated home care is vital. We have a rapidly ageing population and must act to put in place a statutory right to high-quality, regulated home care for all adults. Too often, older and disabled people remain in hospital when they should have the choice and the support to receive care at home. This is about dignity, independence and ensuring our health system works for everyone. Ireland has an opportunity to lead the way in Europe – let’s seize it.”
Speaking alongside Fitzgerald, HCCI CEO Joseph Musgrave said: “It is a privilege to work alongside Frances to advocate for home and community care. HCCI has long championed the introduction of a statutory home care scheme but progress has repeatedly stalled. With the new Government now firmly in place, we look forward to a partnership between Government and HCCI to finalise the design of the proposed Scheme. We cannot afford to ignore this moment.”
Fitzgerald has always advocated for those in need, beginning her professional career as a social worker. A former Tánaiste, Minister and MEP, currently a member of the Advisory Committee to the G7 and ambassador for Ruhama. Fitzgerald’s work delivering the European Care Strategy (2022) demonstrates her commitment to improving the quality and access to care, and positioning Ireland as a European leader in the provision of home care for older and disabled people. Frances commencement as Chair coincides with the launch of HCCI’S 2025-2025 strategy, which can be read here.
—ENDS—