Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 June 2016
165. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health to set out the status of the work of the interdepartmental group reviewing the fair deal, the nursing homes support scheme; when he will publish it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13847/16]
View answerWhen the Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015. The Review included a general examination of the operation of the Scheme, as well as the balance between residential care and care in the community. A number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies.
In this regard, an Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group was established to progress the recommendations contained in the Review. These recommendations include the implementation of administrative reforms to the Scheme, and a review by the National Treatment Purchase Fund of the pricing system for private long-term residential care facilities. The Working Group is chaired by the Department of Health and includes representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE, the Revenue Commissioners and, when required, the National Treatment Purchase Fund.
Significant progress has already been made in relation to the implementation of recommendations relating to the administrative reforms to the Scheme. The Working Group has held three meetings to date, with a further meeting scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. The Group is due to make a preliminary report on its progress to the Cabinet Committee on Health in June 2016.
