Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
3103. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the amount that was paid out nationwide on the temporary assistance payment scheme since its introduction for nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40309/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) was established in April 2020 as a temporary administrative measure in response to the challenges faced by the nursing home sector at the start of the pandemic. As the pandemic continued, additional support measures for private and voluntary nursing homes have been delivered through the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Due to the ongoing high level of risk associated with COVID-19 during this period, the Department of Health extended the scheme twice, far beyond the originally planned timescale of three months. The further extension of the scheme was outlined in the Government’s Plan 'Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19', published in September 2020. This provided assurance of the Scheme’s availability and a planned timeframe of operation to the end of June 2021.
As of 21 July 2021, €112.2m has been paid out under the scheme.
