Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
365. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to review the nursing home support scheme with a view to expanding current supports under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10660/22]
View answerThe Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as 'Fair Deal', is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. The primary legislation underpinning the NHSS is the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009. Participants in the NHSS contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
Last year the Department published the NTPF Review of the Pricing System for Private Nursing Homes, as well as the Value for Money Review of nursing home care costs. Significant work is underway to deliver the recommendations of both reviews. This will involve significant research, policy analysis and development work, and an extensive input from clinical, economic, and legal sources. The implementation of the recommendations will also have regard to other recent reports, including the final report published by the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel.
Following a similar review process, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Act 2021, was signed into law on 22 July 2021 and became operational in October, which introduced further safeguards into the NHSS to further protect the viability and sustainability of family farms and businesses. It also includes an amendment in relation to applying the 3-year cap to the proceeds of sale of a house while a resident is in long-term care. This removed a disincentive against the sale of properties that might otherwise remain vacant. The Department of Health has also agreed to action 19.8 in the Housing for All Strategy to develop a mechanism in relation to the rental of vacant properties "in a way that is targeted, equitable, evidence-based and provides appropriate safeguards for vulnerable older people".
The Department of Health and I remain committed to ensuring that the NHSS will continue to deliver value for money in the provision of nursing home care as well as ensuring the provision of care which is affordable for residents and their families and appropriate to the needs of nursing home residents.
