Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2017
448. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1342 of 16 September 2016 and media reports (details supplied), his plans to reorient the funding model for home care packages and home help hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2746/17]
View answerGovernment policy is to promote care in the community for older people so that they can continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible and long-term nursing care should be a last resort after home support and other community based supports have been exhausted. However, the main statutory scheme for older people is the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), which provides for a system of financial support for those assessed as needing long-term nursing home care.
The Department has commenced an examination of options to bring greater national consistency to the regulation and financing of home care. This work began in 2016 with a review by the Health Research Board of how home care is regulated and funded in comparable jurisdictions, commissioned by the Department. The review will be finalised shortly and will be used to inform the development of policy proposals for the regulation and funding of these services.
The development of a regulatory and funding model for home care services is a complex undertaking involving very significant legislative, operational and financial resources. It is considered that the best option for the future may be a statutory home care scheme specifically designed for home care. The Department's intention is that regulation of the home care sector will be done in parallel with the development of a scheme.
In addition, a public consultation process will be launched in the coming months to allow stakeholders, including older people, their families and healthcare workers to express their views regarding a new homecare scheme. As is usual with public consultations, details will be publically announced when they have been finalised.
The development of a statutory home care scheme is a priority for me, as Minister, and I can assure the Deputy it will be progressed as a matter of urgency.
