The new government has committed to increase funding for the national Meals on Wheels network during its term in office.

The draft programme for government, which was published this week, also states that a plan will be developed to ensure there are supported providers in every town in the country.

This forms part of the new government's overall objective to support older people in living at home within their own communities.

Irish Rural Link (IRL) and the National Meals on Wheels Network welcomed the inclusion of Meals on Wheels in the draft plan.

For many years, IRL and the Meals on Wheels Network said they 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.

They said that the new government’s commitment to increase funding for this service is a "welcome step and will help providers continue delivering essential support".

However, the groups are continuing to call for this funding to 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.

IRL also secured funding to appoint a development officer to manage and grow the network.

Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link, said that 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," he said.

Tracey Noone, development officer of the network added that 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," she said.

The draft programme for government, which runs to over 150 pages, was published after Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael agreed to form the next government, with support from a number of independent TDs.

The draft will now be the subject of approval by the party memberships over the coming days.

This will then clear the way for the nomination of a Taoiseach when the Dáil returns on January 22 and the formation of the 35th government of Ireland