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Nursing Homes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Questions (1678)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1678. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to a meeting in March 2022 between Minister Butler and an organisation (details supplied) and a subsequent meeting in April 2022 between the organisation and the National Treatment Purchase Fund regarding the current severe inflationary pressures on the nursing home sector; if he will report on the outcome of these meetings; the steps that he will take to address this issue with urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39838/22]

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Written answers

I am acutely aware of the specific challenges faced by the Nursing Home sector related to price inflation and increased energy costs. I have met directly with Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) as recently as last Friday the 8th July, they are the representative organisation for private and voluntary nursing homes. I updated them in detail on progress being made in relation to this matter. I have also met with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to request that they consider the matter alongside departmental officials. I have visited a number of Nursing Homes in recent weeks to discuss this issue with management of both public and private/voluntary nursing units. It is imperative that nursing homes manage potential cost pressures in line with their regulatory and contractual responsibilities, maintaining their quality of care so that residents’ lived experience and comfort is not affected. I hope to be in a position to revert to NHI again shortly following engagement with the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform.

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