The Home Care Sector Is Lobbying To Be Allowed To Hire Staff From Outside The European Economic Area.

Thursday, 12 August 2021 11:15

They say the sector is in the midst of a recruitment crisis.

The home care sector is pleading with government to be allowed to recruit staff from outside the European Economic Area.

Health care assistants are currently on the 'ineligible occupations list' for recruitment of workers from outside the EEA.

This means the sector cannot recruit enough staff to meet its clients' needs.

However, non EEA carers and care assistants can work in nursing homes or hospitals but not as a private home carer.

Home and Community Care Ireland, which is making the call, says pay is not a factor in the sector's inability to recruit and retain staff.

Joseph Musgrave is CEO of Home and Community Care Ireland.

He joined Clem Ryan on Thursday's edition of Kildare Today:

Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI) is calling for health care assistants to be removed from the 'ineligible occupations list' for those from outside the European Economic Area https://t.co/39XogXPvpR
— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) August 11, 2021

More from Local News

Clane Woman Ends Hunger Strike, Citing Health Concerns

She has been on hunger strike since May 21st in an effort to get the Government to act on the war in Gaza, specifically around the Occupied Territories Bill.
Man Arrested For Threats To Slice Irish Babies To Appear In Court Again On 5 June

Misinformation had been circulating online claiming the man was in Newbridge yesterday when he was actually still in custody.
Discussions Underway To Bring Tea Trolleys Back To Trains Across The Country

Audio

Just two services, Cork and Belfast, currently offer on-board catering.
Cllr Calls For Power To Name Housing Estates, Currently Decided By Council's "Naming Committee"

At present, names are reviewed and approved by the council’s Estate Naming Committee, who meet twice a month to assess proposals as part of the planning compliance process.
From TV To Bloom: Kildare’s Debbie Brophy Showcases Pollinator Paradise As Bloom Kicks Off

Audio

Garden-scapes dedicated to sustainable living and to promote the health of pollinators, are among the designs on display.
New IT Systems, More Staff, But Unauthorised Builds Soar In Kildare As Cllrs Demand In-Person Meetings

Kildare County Council’s Executive confirmed a significant increase in complaints about unauthorised developments and acknowledged that the issue is becoming more complex and widespread.
Greyhound Racing Ireland Defends €488k Spent At Two Care Centres In Kilcullen And Croom

Speaking on Kildare Today, Nuala Donlon, spokesperson for Greyhound Action Ireland, said that in comparison, the ISPCA received €1.2 million in Budget 2024 to fund its entire homing and enforcement operations and rehomed 1,382 dogs.
Further Update: Man Arrested Following Online Threats Due In Court This Morning

The man is due to appear before Portlaoise District Court this morning.