Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2017
484. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will consider extending the fair deal scheme to allow persons to remain in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8622/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is Government policy that long-term nursing home care should be a last resort and we want to develop home care services to provide a more viable alternative to nursing home care for a greater number of people.
It is my view, and that of the Government, that we need a stand-alone funding scheme designed for homecare that recognises its particular characteristics together with regulation of homecare services. The development of a regulatory and funding model for homecare services is a complex undertaking involving very significant legislative, operational and financial resources.
A significant amount of detailed preparation needs to be done before final decisions are taken on the form of a home care scheme and the regulation of these services. In 2016 the Department commissioned the Health Research Board to carry out an evidence review of international approaches to the regulation and financing of home care services. This will be published shortly. The Department will also undertake a mapping exercise of current service provision nationally, taking into account the scale and diversity of services funded by the HSE. This work will be used to identify major policy options for a new homecare scheme-around the areas of regulation, financing, assessment and eligibility.
Once this is complete a public consultation will be launched to allow stakeholders, including older people themselves, their families and healthcare workers to express their views regarding a new homecare scheme. It is my hope and intention at this stage that this consultation on this important issue can be launched in May of this year.
