John Lahart
Question:844. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the way in which home care will be defined in any forthcoming legislation on regulating home care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45012/20]
View answerWednesday, 13 January 2021
Questions (844, 845)
John Lahart
Question:845. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the way in which it is planned to fund future home care legislation; if he has completed costings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45013/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 844 and 845 together.
A high-quality, consistent home-support service, focused on keeping people well in their homes and communities for as long as possible, is a key enabler to ensuring that people across a continuum of care get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. In this regard, my Department is in the process of developing a statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home-support.
Work is on-going within the Department to determine the optimal approach to the development of the new scheme within the broader context of the on-going reform of Ireland’s health and social care system, as envisaged in the Sláintecare Report (2017). This work encompasses the development of the regulatory framework for the new scheme; the examination of the options for the financing model for the scheme; and the development of a reformed model of service-delivery.
The aim of the development of a regulatory framework for home-support services is to ensure that all service-users are provided with a standard, high-quality level of care, which is safe, effective, and person-centred. It is intended that, subject to Government approval, this framework will comprise primary legislation, minimum standards, and national standards. Work is ongoing within the Department to determine the definition of home-support which will underpin the legislation. This will be informed by stakeholder consultation.
The options for the financing of the new scheme are being examined through work with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on the projected demand for, and cost of, home-support services in various scenarios. This work is ongoing.