Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2023
337. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his intentions regarding the urgent need for funding for the supported care homes in counties Carlow and Kilkenny to ensure that each one is sustainable into the future; and if a new line of funding will be made available in 2024 to assist these homes with the exceptional running costs being experienced and the cost of compliance with HIQA standards. [51717/23]
View answerThe 10 Supported Care Homes in the south-east of the country, including in Carlow and Kilkenny, offer a unique housing option for older people. These services offer choice and bridge the gap between living independently in the community and high dependency long-term nursing home care. The Supported Care Homes sector provides accommodation and support services to older people with low to medium dependency levels.
There is a strong and positive working relationship between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Supported Care Homes sector, with ongoing support and engagement provided by the HSE with regards to financial, governance, and operational management of the services.
I met with Supported Care Homes representatives in July 2023 to discuss the issues affecting the sector and to reaffirm my support for the sector. Subsequent to this meeting, €500,000 was made available in once-off funding to support the provision of services in the Supported Care Homes.
I was very pleased to secure funding of €1.68 million in Budget 2024 for the Supported Care Homes sector, which will contribute to ensuring its financial sustainability in the short-term and into the future. The HSE National Service Plan for 2024 is currently being finalised and more information will emerge in due course.
I remain committed to working closely with the sector over the coming months and years to ensure its continued success and viability.
