Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2004
126 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if terms of reference of the group established by his Department to undertake a review of the nursing home subvention scheme have been formulated; when he expects the report to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7063/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the inaugural meeting of the working group took place in early December 2003. One of the items for discussion by the working group was the terms of reference for the review. The terms of reference as now agreed by the group are:
That the review will take into account issues arising from the interpretation of certain aspects of the 1990 Act and the Subvention Regulations which have arisen over the years, the Ombudsman's comments on the operation of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme, the recommendations in the O'Shea and Mercer reports, and the views of clients and service providers on the operation of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme.
The aims and objectives of the review will be: to recommend any changes necessary in the light of Prof. O'Shea's recommendations; to make recommendations on an equitable means assessment test for subvention; to make recommendations on the development of a standardised dependency test; to examine alternative care settings such as home care and to make recommendations for the funding of such care settings as an alternative to long-term residential care; to make recommendations on the development and implementation of quality care standards in institutional settings; and to make recommendations on such other matters as the group considers appropriate within the broad parameters of its mandate.
The ultimate aim of the review will be the development of a system which will be transparent, provide equity, be less discretionary, be financially sustainable and ensure a high standard of care is on offer to clients.
At this stage it is not possible to state exactly when the review will be finalised but it is expected to take at least 18 months to complete.
