Written Answers Nos. 179-186
179. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a person is allowed a deduction from their income for rental payments they are making or certain loan repayments in the context of the financial assessment under the nursing home support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20308/18]
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 income and assets 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.
Participants in the Scheme contribute up to 80% of their assessable income and a maximum of 7.5% per annum of the value of assets held. In the case of a couple, the applicant’s means are assessed as 50% of the couple’s combined income and assets. The first €36,000 of an individual’s assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not counted at all in the financial assessment. The capital value of an individual’s principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. This is known as the three year cap.
Under the primary legislation an NHSS applicant may apply for certain items of expenditure to be taken into account and netted off against their means prior to the calculation of their contribution. These items are referred to as allowable deductions. An applicant can apply for the following to be deducted:
- Interest on loans for the purchase, repair or improvement of the applicant’s principal primary residence; and
- Rent paid on the principal residence of the applicant only so long as the person’s partner, or a child under the age of 21 years of the person or the person’s partner resides in the principal residence.
180. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health the contracts awarded by his Department or an agency under his remit to a company (details supplied) since March 2011, by year, in tabular form; the cost per contract; the basis for each contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20317/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecords indicate that one payment was made to the company in question in June 2017 following a procurement exercise, in respect of an one year contract for maintenance and licensing in respect of Sophos Anti Virus protection in the amount of €40,811.40.
I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy regarding any contracts held with the company. Details for other bodies under the aegis of the Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
181. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of general practitioners in communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20326/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to delivering more non-acute care within the primary care sector, so that better care closer to home can be provided for communities around the country.
GPs play an important role in the primary care system. The number of GPs on the specialist register continues to increase – up from 2,270 in 2010 to 3,661 as of 1st May 2018 and there are now 2,491 GPs contracted by the HSE under the GMS scheme compared to 2,098 in 2008. It should be noted that as of 1st March there were only 23 GMS panels that do not have a permanent GP in place – a vacancy rate of less than 1%.
The Government is committed to increasing GP capacity to ensure that patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future. Efforts undertaken in recent years to increase the number of practising GPs include changes to the entry provisions to the GMS scheme to accommodate more flexible/shared GMS/GP contracts, and to the retirement provisions for GPs under the GMS scheme, allowing GPs to hold GMS contracts until their 72nd birthday, as well as the introduction of an enhanced supports package for rural GP practices.
In addition, the Government has also taken steps to expand GP training. In 2009, there were 120 GP training places and this year we expect to fill 194 places, an increase of over 60% in this nine year period. The Programme for Government commits to further increasing this number to 259 places annually in future years.
The Government is also committed to engaging with GP representatives on the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the current GMS contract. Our goal is to develop a contractual framework that has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion, disease prevention and for the structured care of chronic conditions. This will enable general practitioners to better meet the needs of patients and will also promote general practice as a viable and rewarding career for both existing doctors and future medical graduates.
182. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of patients per general practitioner in each CHO area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20327/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
183. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the stage at which his Department and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government are in relation to providing a new supported model of housing for elderly persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20328/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth the Department of Health and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government are working together in finalising a high-level policy statement that will provide a framework by which Government can facilitate and promote a variety of housing options, including supported housing (i.e. housing with care), for older people.
In tandem with this the Department and the HSE are participating in a demonstrator project in partnership with Department of Housing, Dublin City Council, the HSE and the Irish Council for Social Housing. A site in Inchicore has been identified for development of a Housing with Support model under Rebuilding Ireland which will deliver 52 homes and is due for completion in 2020. This is a collaborative project and it is intended to set a new standard for the future of housing provision for older people and to act as an exemplar for others to follow. The project has been approved for funding of almost €15m under the Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government’s Capital Assistance Scheme with a contribution of €450,000 from the Health Service Executive towards additional communal facilities for the residents.
The project is aimed at offering older people who do not require nursing home care the benefits of living in their own homes, connected to their own communities, with support and care provided in a cost-effective way. It is envisaged that this demonstration project will be adapted and replicated in other areas.
In addition, I as Minister of State with responsibility for older people, together with my colleague the Minister of State with responsibility for housing Damien English, intend to hold an expert conference on housing for older people in Autumn this year.
184. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if the resources for the administration of the Ocrelizumab drug to persons (details supplied) with multiple sclerosis will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20333/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
185. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health when the changes to the fair deal scheme will be introduced that will allow the scheme to be backdated three years for nursing home residents that pass on their farms and businesses to relatives. [20353/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been advancing work on this matter and having regard for this complex issue and for the sensitivities of the Scheme I requested legal advice from the office of the Attorney General regarding potential changes to the legislation that will address this matter.
The Department has received this advice and is exploring the policy and legislative changes necessary and any potential impacts as a result of amending the Scheme. A Memo for Government on this issue will be brought forward shortly and subject to Government approval and the drafting process, I then hope to bring forward these legislative proposals thereafter.
186. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the average wait time, the longest wait time and the number of persons on the waiting list for adult occupational therapy assessments in each primary care unit in tabular form. [20355/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
