Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:360. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is not covered under the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25041/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 June 2019
Ceisteanna (360)
Freagraí scríofa
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 residential care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings. The applicant can choose any public, voluntary or approved private nursing home. The home must have availability and be able to cater for the applicant's particular needs.
The legislation underpinning the Nursing Homes Support Scheme requires each private nursing home to negotiate and agree a price for long-term residential care services with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) should they wish to be an approved nursing home for the purposes of the Scheme. The NTPF has statutory independence in the performance of its function, and negotiates with each nursing home on an individual basis.
Whilst it is not appropriate to comment on an individual case it is my understanding that the facility referenced is not registered with the NTPF for the purpose of State Support for long term care under the NHSS. It is for this reason that the NHSS does not apply to the facility.