Written Answers Nos. 289-310
289. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Enterprise Ireland clients in counties Longford and Westmeath in each of the years 2016 to 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3104/19]
View answerMy Department, through its agency Enterprise Ireland, is committed to supporting Irish businesses to grow, innovate and perform strongly in global markets.
On the 9th of January 2019, Enterprise Ireland (EI) announced its 2018 end of year results. 215,207 people are now employed in companies supported by the agency and this is the highest total employment in the 20 year history of the agency. Almost two thirds (61%) of the new jobs created were outside of Dublin with all regions recording increases in employment. 64% of total employment by Enterprise Ireland supported companies is now outside of Dublin.
In County Longford there are 46 companies supported by Enterprise Ireland while in County Westmeath there are 91 EI clients. The breakdown of these EI supported companies over the last three years is set out in the table below.
|
Clients |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Co. Longford |
49 |
50 |
46 |
|
Co. Westmeath |
99 |
114 |
91 |
I continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland to support sustainable regional enterprise development and to ensure that the benefits of our economic growth are felt in every region.
290. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA visits to counties Westmeath and Longford in each of the years 2016 to 2018; the level of IDA-supported jobs in counties Longford and Westmeath on 31 December 2018, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3105/19]
View answerMy Department and its agencies are working towards ambitious targets to ensure that employment and investment are distributed as evenly as possible across the country. I am pleased to say that significant progress is being made with 58% of all IDA employment now outside of Dublin. This represents the highest number of people employed by IDA clients outside of Dublin in the history of the organization. 2018 saw more IDA jobs added in the regions than at any time over the past 17 years.
Counties Westmeath and Longford are both marketed by the IDA as part of the wider Midlands region. There are now 42 multinational companies based in the Midlands, employing 5,720 people. Last year the region reported the highest level of percentage growth in net new foreign direct investment (FDI) jobs nationally, with an increase of 13% in employment by IDA client companies.
County Longford itself saw a 20% increase in IDA client-supported job creation in 2018, with 900 people currently employed in overseas firms. County Westmeath also performed well over that same period with 3,466 people now employed in IDA client firms, an increase of 16% over the 2017 figures.
With regards to site visits, IDA Ireland continues to highlight the benefits of expanding or locating in all counties to its client base. It is important to remember, however, that the final decision as to where to invest always rests with the company concerned.
The tables below outline the number of IDA jobs in Counties Longford and Westmeath from 2016 to 2018 and the number of site visits by IDA client companies from 2016 until the third quarter of 2018. Figures for Q4 2018 will be available later this month.
Table A: Employment in IDA Ireland companies in Longford and Westmeath 2016-2018
|
County |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Westmeath |
2,749 |
2,973 |
3,466 |
|
Longford |
783 |
745 |
900 |
Table B: IDA Ireland site visits to Longford and Westmeath 2016-Q3 2018
|
County |
2016 |
2017 |
Q1 2018 |
Q2 2018 |
Q3 2018 |
|
Westmeath |
36 |
42 |
3 |
9 |
6 |
|
Longford |
6 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
291. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applicants that have applied for support pursuant to the various Brexit schemes; the amounts expended on each scheme to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3106/19]
View answerMy Department and its agencies are working to provide extensive supports, schemes and advice to ensure that businesses are prepared for Brexit. These measures aim to assist businesses in identifying key risk areas and the practical preparatory actions to be taken over the coming weeks.
In addition to the direct supports outlined in the table below, my Department and I have been very active in the 'Getting Ireland Brexit Ready' public information campaign. This campaign includes workshop events throughout the country aimed primarily at business and people most impacted by Brexit. Officials from my Department and agencies also participated in the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready events, which included Enterprise Ireland, IDA, the LEOs, NSAI and the HSA.
Further to the below, increased funding has been allocated to Brexit-related support from my Department and its agencies as part of Budget 2019. An additional €5 million capital funding has been allocated to the Local Enterprise Offices, an increase of 22%, and a further €1 million allocated to Intertrade Ireland to help SMEs prepare for the particular North-South challenges associated with Brexit. Additional resources have also been distributed across Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland and the Health and Safety Authority.
The Future Growth Loan Scheme was announced in Budget 2019. This scheme is jointly funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Loans of €50,000 to €3m will be available, with loans of under €500,000 being provided on an unsecured basis. The scheme will be available to eligible Irish businesses, including those in the primary agriculture and seafood sectors, to support strategic, long-term investment in a post-Brexit environment. The SBCI has issued an “Open Call” for financial institutions to apply by 11 February 2019 for designation as a lending partner under the Scheme. It is expected that this Scheme will be operational in early 2019.
While many businesses have taken preparedness actions, a number have yet to do so. It is vital that businesses prepare themselves for Brexit impacts and take actions to mitigate. Firms that do business with the UK, whether buying goods or exporting products, should examine their supply chains to determine their vulnerabilities and take appropriate action.
|
Scheme |
Uptake (18.01) |
Expenditure on Scheme (18.01) |
|
Brexit Loan Scheme |
375 applications received, 336 approved by SBCI, 65 Loans progressed to sanction at bank level to a value of €14.94 million. |
€23 million Exchequer Funding (€14 million from my DBEI and €9 million from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. |
|
Enterprise Ireland Brexit Scorecard - online platform for Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit |
3,902 Brexit Scorecards have been completed. 681 LEO clients have completed the scorecard. |
2017 Expenditure: €25,568 2018 Expenditure: €11,261 Total Expenditure: €36,829 |
|
Enterprise Ireland Be Prepared Grant |
155 Be Prepared Grants have been approved |
2017 Expenditure: €10,0002018 Expenditure: €178,8712019 Expenditure to date: €12,623 Total Expenditure: €201,494 |
|
Enterprise Ireland Market Discovery Fund - A support to EI clients to research new markets |
209 projects have been approved under this initiative |
Market Discovery fund was launched in 20182018 Expenditure: €227,7432019 Expenditure to date: €108,914 Total Expenditure: €336,657 |
|
Enterprise Ireland Agile Innovation Fund - Gives rapid fast-track access to innovation funding |
39 Agile Innovation projects have been approved |
Agile Innovation Fund was launched in 2018 2018 Expenditure: €385,2642019 Expenditure to date: €51,892 Total Expenditure: €437,156 |
|
Enterprise Ireland Brexit Advisory Clinics |
11 Brexit Advisory Clinics have been run with approx. 915 in attendance |
2017 Expenditure: €55,7972018 Expenditure: €166,6982019 Expenditure to date: €1,722 Total Expenditure: €224,217 |
|
Enterprise Ireland Brexit “Act On Programme” – A support funding the engagement of a consultant to devise report with recommendations to help clients address weaknesses and improve resilience |
165 “Act on” Plans have been completed |
2018 Expenditure: €330,000 |
|
Enterprise Ireland Strategic Consultancy Grant – A grant to assist EI clients to hire a strategic consultant for a set period |
1,049 Strategic Consultancy Grants have been approved |
2016 Expenditure: €278,1372017 Expenditure: €482,6172018 Expenditure: €456,1982019 Expenditure to date: €61,764Total Expenditure: €1,278,716 |
|
Enterprise Ireland Brexit-exposed companies that have completed sustainable growth plans |
706 |
N/A These growth plans are part of the Client Engagement Model |
|
Local Enterprise Office Technical Assistance Grant for Micro Export - an incentive for LEO clients to explore and develop new market opportunities |
419 clients were approved assistance under the Technical Assistance Grant |
€365,774 |
|
Local Enterprise Office LEAN for Micro - The LEO Lean4Micro offer was developed in collaboration between the EI Lean department and the LEOs to tailor the EI Lean offer for LEO micro enterprise clients |
221 LEO clients have participated in the programme |
€518,411 |
|
Local Enterprise Office Mentoring |
471 mentoring participants solely focused on Brexit |
No specific amount is allocated to Brexit mentoring specifically, it is part of the overall Measure 2 allocation. Similarly, the amount spent is not categorised in the LEO financial reports. LEO schemes are demand driven. |
|
Local Enterprise Office Brexit Seminars/Events |
3,996 Participants at the Brexit Information events |
|
|
InterTradeIreland Brexit Advisory Service |
4,175 SMEs have directly engaged with the Brexit Advisory Service in 2018 |
Approx. €1,260,586 |
|
InterTradeIreland Brexit Start to Plan Vouchers |
There have been 811 applications, with 657 approved and 25 still pending assessment. |
Approx. €422,592 |
|
Pilot Online Retail Scheme administered by Enterprise Ireland |
Applications are currently being assessed by Enterprise Ireland and the successful applicants will be announced in Q1 2019. There will also be a second call in 2019 |
Total fund of €1.25m. The first call opened on 24 October and closed on the 5 December. |
292. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the location in which persons who grew up in mother and baby homes can access the counselling services made available by his Department. [2360/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
293. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that play therapists are unregulated; the measures he is taking to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2927/19]
View answer294. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the procedures in place should a person wish to make a formal complaint against a play therapist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2928/19]
View answer449. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if play therapists are regulated by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2930/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 293, 294 and 449 together.
There is at present no system of statutory regulation for play therapists in Ireland.
CORU is Ireland’s multi-profession health regulator. It was established under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. CORU is responsible for the regulation of the 17 professions designated by the Act.
Section 4 of the Act provides that, following a consultation process and with the approval of the Houses of the Oireachtas, I, as Minister for Health, may make regulations designating a health or social care profession not already contained in the Act. My primary consideration in the regulation of other professions is the protection of the public and in this regard I have asked CORU to facilitate a risk assessment of the principal health and social care professionals seeking regulation. This risk assessment will include play therapists. I expect the assessment to be completed by mid 2019 and it will then inform the decisions I make regarding the future regulation of any further professions.
It should be noted, however, that while play therapists are not currently subject to professional statutory regulation, they are subject to a range of legislation and regulation, similar to other service providers, including consumer legislation, competition, contract and criminal law. It is open to persons to contact a solicitor should they wish to pursue these avenues.
295. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health his plans in relation to the cross-border directive after Brexit; if EU citizens will still be in a position to receive treatment in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2305/19]
View answer296. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health his plans for Irish citizens to continue to receive treatment in Northern Ireland or England after Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2306/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 295 and 296 together.
As part of a whole of Government response to Brexit, the Department of Health is working to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated set of preparations to ensure continuity of health services post-Brexit. This work involves the Department and the HSE and other agencies in engaging in intensive Brexit preparedness and contingency planning.
A key consideration will be to ensure that insofar as possible there is minimum disruption to health services and that essential services are maintained on a cross-Border, all-island and Ireland-UK basis. Work is currently ongoing in relation to this matter.
297. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the list of delayed capital projects due to the overspend on the national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2309/19]
View answerThe Health Service Executive is currently developing its Capital Plan for 2019. The requirements of the new children's hospital and other health capital projects, currently at various stages of development, are being considered as part of this process.
298. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2312/19]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
299. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to roll out the meningitis B vaccine on a catch-up basis for those children who missed out on the vaccine by virtue of their age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2315/19]
View answer348. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his plans to implement a catch-up vaccination programme for all children in relation to the meningitis B strain in view of recent cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2436/19]
View answer360. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to advising the HSE to introduce a catch-up programme for children up to 18 years of age for the meningitis B vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2456/19]
View answer397. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if the decision not to undertake a catch-up programme of meningitis B vaccinations for children who had not received it prior to the roll-out of the vaccination scheme will be reconsidered in view of the recent spate of deaths from meningitis B; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2566/19]
View answer398. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of a catch-up programme of meningitis B vaccinations for children that had not received it prior to the roll out of the vaccination scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2567/19]
View answer425. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the information or assistance provided to parents of newborn children regarding vaccines, in particular the meningitis vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2787/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 299, 348, 360, 397, 398 and 425 together.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) is an independent committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland which is comprised of experts in a number of specialties, including infectious diseases, paediatrics, and public health, which makes recommendations to my Department on vaccination policy in Ireland. Its recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. NIAC continues to revise recommendations so as to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease.
On foot of a recommendation by NIAC, the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule was amended in 2016 to include the introduction of the Meningitis B vaccine for all babies born on or after 1 October 2016. This change to the immunisation schedule took effect from 1 December 2016. The first dose of the vaccine is administered to children when they reach two months of age; a second dose is administered at four months and a third and final dose at twelve months. Meningitis B disease is most common in babies under 1 year of age and the scheduling of the administration of the vaccine under the immunisation programme as recommended by NIAC takes this into account.
All vaccines administered through the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule are provided free of charge. Ireland is the second country in Europe to make the Men B vaccine available free of charge as part of its national immunisation programme.
There are no plans to introduce a catch-up programme for the Men B vaccine to older children. Those who have a medical card are eligible to have the vaccine administered by their GP free of charge. However, the purchase of the vaccine is not covered by the medical card scheme.
In Ireland, the following meningitis vaccines are provided to children born on or after 1 October 2016 as part of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule:
- 2 months – 6-in-1, pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) and Men B;
- 4 months – 6-in-1 and Men B (Meningococcal B);
- 6 months – 6-in-1, PCV and Men C (Meningococcal C);
- 12 months – Men B;
- 13 months – Hib/Men C and PCV.
Note that the 6-in-1 vaccine contains Hib (Haemophilus influenzae b).
Adolescents are also given a Men C booster vaccine in the first year of secondary school against meningitis as part of the School Immunisation Programme.
As of Friday 18 January 2019, seventeen cases of meningococcal disease have been notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). This compares to 15 cases for same time period last year. Three deaths are associated with the seventeen cases. It is important to note that, although three of the seventeen notified cases are related to Meningitis B, none of the 3 deaths have been attributed to this strain of the disease.
300. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the waiting time for child and adolescent mental health services for Dublin 9; when a child (details supplied) can be given an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2316/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible
301. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if additional home help hours will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2318/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
302. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2321/19]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
303. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when an orthodontist will be appointed to a health centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2323/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
304. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if autoimmune hepatitis is covered under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2324/19]
View answerThe LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme at this time. However, I wish to inform the Deputy that it is proposed that the LTI Scheme would be included as part of a review of the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
305. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting to see a psychologist as part of the early intervention assessment in counties Sligo and Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2333/19]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
306. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of the health (transport support) Bill. [2334/19]
View answer307. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of the transport support payment for disabled persons; when it will be made available in view of the fact that the motorised transport grant for persons with disabilities ceased in 2013; and his views on whether the cessation of this scheme has had a large impact on persons with a disability. [2335/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.
The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I brought a Memorandum to Government in May 2018 on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme in May 2018. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at the time. I intend to revert to Government in due course with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between myself and Minister Harris on the best way to progress the Transport Scheme.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. Prior to the closure of the scheme in 2013, approximately 300 people per annum qualified for a Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period. The maximum grant payable was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
308. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of appeals made to pricing and contract terms negotiated between the NTPF and proprietors of registered nursing homes in relation to the provision of long-term residential care services to nursing home support scheme residents in each of the years 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of appeals upheld and rejected, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2346/19]
View answer309. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the mechanism and various parameters used to determine and calculate the maximum price paid to proprietors of registered nursing facilities in return for the provision of long-term residential care services to nursing homes support scheme residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2347/19]
View answer310. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of written submissions received as part of the most recent review of the nursing home support scheme; the number of submissions received from the proprietors of registered nursing facilities; when the next review of the scheme will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2348/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 308 to 310, inclusive, together.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has been designated by the Minister for Health pursuant to Section 40 of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act as a body authorised to negotiate with proprietors of registered nursing homes to reach agreement in relation to the maximum price(s) that will be charged for the provision of long-term residential care services to Nursing Homes Support Scheme residents. As part of this function, the NTPF enters into "Approved Nursing Home Agreements" with registered private and voluntary nursing homes to record the maximum price(s) that have been negotiated. The NTPF are independent in its functions and the Department of Health plays no role in these negotiations.
The NTPF take the following guidelines into account in negotiating prices; (a) costs reasonably and prudently incurred by the nursing home and evidence of value for money, (b) price(s) previously charged, (c) local market price and (d) budgetary constraints and the obligation of the State to use available resources in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public.
In relation to the Number of reviews (appeals) carried out with regard to price negotiations the below table details the number of appeals made to the NTPF from 2010 to date. I can confirm that no appeal was rejected.
|
Year |
No. of Reviews |
|
2010 |
1 |
|
2011 |
13 |
|
2012 |
5 |
|
2013 |
8 |
|
2014 |
2 |
|
2015 |
3 |
|
2016 |
3 |
|
2017 |
2 |
|
2018 |
1 |
|
2019 |
0 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
37 |
The Report of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) Review published in 2015 identified a number of issues for more detailed consideration, including a review of the pricing mechanism used by the NTPF, with a view to:
- Ensuring value for money and economy, with the lowest possible administrative costs for clients and the State and administrative burden for providers;
- Increasing the transparency of the pricing mechanism so that existing and potential investors can make as informed decisions as possible; and
- Ensuring that there is adequate residential capacity for those residents with more complex needs.
A Steering Group was established to oversee and manage the pricing review. The Steering Group is chaired by the NTPF and includes representatives from the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). As part of its work on the review the NTPF sought various inputs including external expertise and stakeholder engagement to inform the review. These inputs are being considered in detail.
In relation to the number of submissions received during the pricing review, I can confirm that one submission was received. However, the external experts commissioned by the NTPF to provide expert input to the Review undertook a stakeholder engagement exercise as part of their work. In this regard, there were twenty separate engagements with relevant parties, including four individual nursing homes.
The NTPF are now close to completing the report and aim to discuss the latest draft of the report and next steps early this year. Once complete the report of the review will then be submitted to the Department of Health.
