Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2016

Wednesday, 30 November 2016

Questions (125, 143)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

125. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health his plans to update and improve the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37819/16]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

143. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when it is expected to have the recommendations of the interdepartmental group examining the nursing home support scheme; if he will publish the report of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37878/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 143 together.

When 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 and included a general examination of the operation of the Scheme as well as the balance between residential care and care in the community. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies.

The Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group was set up to progress the recommendations contained in the Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. Significant progress has already been made in relation to the implementation of recommendations relating to the administrative reforms to the Scheme. An initial report on progress was submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Health in September 2016.

A Review by the National Treatment Purchase Fund of the system for setting prices in private and voluntary nursing homes is well advanced and is expected to be completed in the coming months.

As of now there are no plans to formally publish a consolidated implementation report covering all of the issues identified in the NHSS Review, but full information will nonetheless be available to the Deputy on request regarding any relevant issue.

Any significant changes deemed necessary to the Scheme will require legislation and will accordingly be addressed together at the conclusion of the implementation process.