Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1608. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if the HSE is refusing to reimburse the antigen costs for nursing homes (details supplied); if so, the reason for the decision; if he is considering reversing this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14833/21]
View answerThe Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) for nursing homes was established in April 2020 to provide financial assistance to contribute towards the costs incurred by private nursing homes in acting to suppress and manage COVID-19. €78.2m has been paid to date in respect of claims under the Scheme, which has been extended until the end of June 2021.
The TAPS Standard Assistance Payment is eligible to be spent on costs that have arisen in executing a number of measures that are specific to COVID-19. All nursing home providers are made aware of eligible costs under TAPS. Nursing Homes are currently not reimbursed under the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme for antigen tests. The current Health Protection Surveillance Centre guidance on this issue only provides for the use of antigen tests in certain locations and in limited circumstances and under the direction of the local Public Health Department. This guidance can be accessed by following this link:
https://www.hpsc.ie/az/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/guidanceforhealthcareworkers/publichealthguidance/
