Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2016
323. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the changes to the fair deal scheme in budget 2017, particularly in respect of asset value of farm land; if any further changes are proposed to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32715/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants 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. A financial assessment is carried out by the HSE to determine how much a participant in the Scheme will contribute to the cost of their care.
Funding of €940 million will be available for the Scheme in 2017. This is an increase of €18.5million on the projected outturn for 2016. In line with the commitment contained in the Programme for a Partnership Government the funding provided will mean that approved applicants will have access to funding within approximately 4 weeks. The Scheme will support an additional 500 people in 2017 increasing the number supported to just over 23,600 by the end of the year.
When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies, including the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme. In advance of the Review, submissions were sought from groups or bodies who wished to make a contribution, and the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) made a submission in this context on which they expanded at a subsequent meeting with officials of the Department of Health.
An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Review. This group is chaired by the Department of Health and includes representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE, the Revenue Commissioners and, when required, the National Treatment Purchase Fund. I have recently met with the IFA and invited them to present their submission at the next meeting of the Working Group. The Working Group met on the 11 of October and the IFA gave a verbal presentation to the Group. The issue is currently being considered.
The Programme for a Partnership Government has committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small business and family farms.
