Gerald Nash
Question:194. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the average time taken to process a fair deal application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48820/12]
View answerWednesday, 7 November 2012
Questions (194, 195)
Gerald Nash
Question:195. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if any analysis has taken place regarding delays in processing fair deal applications; the measures in place to ensure an optimum processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48821/12]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.
The HSE's National Service Plan 2012 sets a target of four weeks for the processing of complete applications for the nursing homes support scheme. This performance indicator is reported on monthly in the HSE's performance report. In July (the most recent Performance Report available), 100% of complete applications were determined within four weeks. An application is complete when the nursing home support office has received all of the necessary documentation and information required to make a determination. Depending on the level of complexity of the individual case, processing of the application may take longer. For example, in cases where ancillary State support is sought, additional factors may impact on the timeframe, e.g. the HSE must establish title of a property before a decision can be made and establishing title can be a lengthy process in some cases.
Funding for the scheme is issued to applicants in chronological order by the date of determination of their application. This ensures equity nationally. Funding is currently being released by the HSE on a weekly basis.