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Health Services Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Ceisteanna (661)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

661. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the number of nursing home beds by 1,250 over five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4741/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government recognises that our ageing population will require the delivery of significant additional long-stay and step-down facilities. A comprehensive programme of investment in public nursing homes over the period 2016-2021 is well underway. The programme is aimed at maintaining the existing level of public bed provision and will also provide some additional capacity.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, 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. 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.

Based on the forecasted average net cost of a private bed under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, the full year cost for an extra 1,250 clients to be supported under the Scheme would be €47.6m. This does not include any capital costs associated with new developments.

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