Opposition MPs have called for an emergency debate on the government’s plans to stop 117,000 people claiming money for personal care plans, following claims that the cuts will not generate enough savings.

Ministers hope to save €900m by abolishing the personal care plan scheme for all but 13,000 people.
However, the government’s macro-economic policy unit CPB says the cuts will only generate savings of €600m – and that only if people accept lower levels of care once the more expensive professional sector takes over.
Institutions
Currently, some 130,000 people get government grants to choose their own care services, in many cases allowing them to live at home rather than in an institution.
Junior health minister Marlies Veldhuijzen van Zanten says the changes will save €900m a year without any lowering of standards.
But the CPB admits the level of care will have to be cut to ensure savings are made.

Jobs
In addition 4,000 jobs in the professional services are at risk, and 10,000 people who act as freelance home carers may also lose their income, the CPB has warned.
Opposition MPs from across the political spectrum have called for a debate with prime minister Mark Rutte and the health minister to discuss the CPB findings.
MPs from Rutte’s own party, the conservative liberal VVD, have also called for an explanation of the figures. ‘These are very serious findings,’ one told Nos radio news.
The Volkskrant says the CPB calculations will force the populist PVV into a corner because it has vowed to support the government cuts on the condition levels of service are not reduced.

Earlier stories
Coalition backs personal care budget reforms
Cabinet agrees to slash spending on personal care