Nursing Home Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Questions (1132)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

1132. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider implementing a more transparent framework for negotiations under the fair deal which acknowledges the costs of providing high-quality care and the need to support investment to meet the significant increase in demand for long-term residential care; if he will address the disconnect between the Health Information Quality Authority and the National Treatment Purchase Fund in order that the NTPF will take into consideration the private and voluntary nursing homes' statutory responsibility under the national quality standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35368/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I refer the Deputy to my replies to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 674, 676 and 677 of 28 May 2013 and 240 of 20 June.

In addition, I would like to advise the Deputy that the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is currently under review. The review is centred on sustainability. Work will continue on the review in the coming months with a view to completion by end 2013-early 2014.

As the Scheme is statutory based, the implementation of any recommendations arising from the review may require amendments to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act, 2009.