Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2015
138. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the official status of the fair deal scheme and the sustainability of the model for those considering entering the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15027/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) provides financial support towards the cost of long-term residential care services in nursing homes. Under the Scheme, nursing home residents contribute towards the cost of their nursing home care based on their means, and the HSE pays the balance.
In Budget 2015 €948.8m was provided for the NHSS which included an additional €10m which formed part of the Delayed Discharges Initiative. However, throughout this year hospitals have experienced increased overcrowding in Emergency Departments and increased numbers of patients whose discharge from hospital has been delayed. At the beginning of April 2015 it was announced that an additional €74m has been allocated to address the issue that has arisen. The €74m now provided will consolidate and build on what has already been achieved. €44m of this €74m was provided to the NHSS to fund 1,600 more places under the Scheme. This brings the total budget for the NHSS for 2015 to €993m.
The additional €44m has helped to reduce the number of people on the national placement list awaiting funding from 1,426 at the end of March 2015 to 503 people as of the 9 of April 2015 (latest figures available). The length of time spent on the national placement list has also reduced significantly from 11 weeks to 4 weeks currently. At the end of February 2015 (latest figures available), 22,231 people were supported under the Scheme.
When the NHSS commenced a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. This exercise is broader than was first envisaged but work on the Review is in its final stages and is expected to be completed shortly. No decisions have been taken nor plans in places regarding changes to the contributions required from residents.
