Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2013
519. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the budget for the fair deal scheme for 2014; if it is expected that there will be a reduction in funding; if there are any plans to change the way the scheme operates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52864/13]
View answer520. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm the funding allocation for the nursing home support scheme to date in 2013; the allocation for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52867/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 519 and 520 together.
The budget for long-term nursing home care is €974m this year. As the Deputies are aware, the total amounts available to fund health services in 2014 will be considerably lower than for this year. Accordingly, all expenditure headings are being scrutinised. The funding that is available must be balanced across all of the various service areas in a way that achieves the best possible outcomes for the greatest number of service users and prioritises areas of greatest need as far as possible.
The needs of our older people are, and will remain, a very high priority for me and for the Government, and the resources that ultimately are available will be applied to provide the best possible mix of supports and services.
The Scheme is currently the subject of a review which is expected to be completed in early 2014.
