Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 December 2013
199. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will provide comfort and assurance to persons who are availing of the fair deal scheme and who are in desperate fear their allowances will be cut through that scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53273/13]
View answer203. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an assurance that the fair deal scheme will be maintained and indeed enhanced in the future as the percentage of older people in our society continues to grow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53298/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 203 together.
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. I can, however, assure those that are already in receipt of support under the Scheme that they will not be affected if the funding for the Scheme is reduced in 2014.
As the Deputy is aware, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is currently being reviewed. This review, which is expected to be completed in early 2014, will make recommendations for the future operation and management of the Scheme.
