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Nursing Home Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 March 2018

Tuesday, 27 March 2018

Ceisteanna (348, 349)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

348. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when the review of the pricing system in respect of long-term residential care with service providers, and as recommended by the review of the fair deal scheme will be published; the steps being taken to develop a fit-for-purpose funding model for nursing home care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13689/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

349. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce an appeals mechanism as part of the fair deal scheme to provide recourse for service providers unable to formally agree fees and pricing with the NTPF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13690/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 349 together.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential 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.

The Report of the NHSS Review published in 2015 identified a number of issues for more detailed consideration, including a review of pricing mechanism by the NTPF, with a view to:

- Ensuring value for money and economy, with the lowest possible administrative costs for clients and the State and administrative burden for providers;

- Increasing the transparency of the pricing mechanism so that existing and potential investors can make as informed decisions as possible; and

- Ensuring that there is adequate residential capacity for those residents with more complex needs.

A Steering Committee has been established to oversee this review which is chaired by the NTPF and includes representatives from my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The NTPF have responsibility for the development of this report, although Department Officials continue to engage with the NTPF regarding the review. The most recent update from the NTPF is that the report will be finalised and ready for review in the first half of 2018.

With regard to the Deputy’s question on plans to introduce an independent appeal mechanism within the NHSS to provide third party recourse for nursing home providers that cannot agree a fee with the NTPF, I cannot nor would I wish to, prejudge the outcomes of the NTPF pricing mechanism review. However I welcome the work to date and look forward to the NTPF concluding the review later this year.

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