I propose to take Questions Nos. 708 and 709 together.
The Fair Deal Scheme provides financial assistance for those who require long-term nursing home care, with residents contributing a portion of the cost in accordance with their means. This Scheme came into being by virtue of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. Section 39 of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 states that:
"The Executive may, with the consent of the Minister, issue guidelines consistent with this Act, whether relating to the performance of a function of the Executive or otherwise, for the purpose of providing practical guidance in respect of any provision of this Act or regulations made under it."
The National Guidelines for the Standardised Implementation of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme are available on the HSE's website. The guidelines state that, subject to overall resources, people who enter nursing homes will have their financial support paid either from the date that the application is approved, or date of admission to the nursing home, whichever is the later. The Minister for Health approved these guidelines in order to ensure the Scheme's ongoing sustainability.