Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
2831. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to establish a commission on care; and if he will include an examination on the role, reliance and recognition of family carers in long-term care provision. [39327/21]
View answerIn June 2020, the Programme for Government, mindful of the particular impact of COVID-19 on older people, especially those who live on their own and people living in nursing homes, set out a commitment to establish a commission to examine care for older people.
In August 2020, the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel, established by Minister Donnelly and me, on foot of a NPHET recommendation, published a comprehensive report following an examination of national and international learning and evidence and stakeholder engagement. The Panel provided immediate real-time learnings and recommendations in light of the expected ongoing impact of COVID-19 over the subsequent 12-18 months. The Panel makes a substantial package of recommendations which also reflect systematic reform in the way nursing home care, and health and social care for older persons care more broadly, is delivered and financed. An interagency Implementation Oversight Team and a stakeholder reference group has been established to support the continued implementation of these recommendations.
While preliminary scoping work on the establishment of a commission on care has commenced, the ongoing priority focus in 2021 is ensuring the continued implementation of the recommendations of the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel. Many of the short- and medium-term recommendations have already been implemented.
The significant examination undertaken by the Expert Panel provides important learning and a framework for enhancing older persons services both in the short and long-term. The longer-term strategic reform recommendations of the Panel may be considered in the context of a commission on care.
While any terms of reference for a commission have not been determined addressing the needs and concerns of family carers remains a focus for the Department of Health. Further development of supports for carers is an important part of a more integrated community approach to supporting people as they get older.
