Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1856. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the impact of rising inflation on the nursing home industry and the resulting rising costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43283/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1857. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with an organisation (details supplied) on the current crisis caused by rising inflation and costs for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43284/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1858. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding to nursing homes to help them combat rising inflation and costs that are putting pressure on the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43285/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1856 to 1858, inclusive, together.
I am acutely aware of the specific challenges faced by the Nursing Home sector related to price inflation and increased energy costs. I am currently working on proposals to support smaller and voluntary nursing homes in relation to the specific challenges they are experiencing and hope to make an announcement soon.
I engage consistently on an ongoing basis with Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI), the representative organisation for private and voluntary nursing homes. I have met directly with NHI and updated them in detail on progress being made in relation to this matter. I have also met with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to request that they consider the matter alongside departmental officials. I have visited a number of Nursing Homes to discuss this issue with management of both public and private/voluntary nursing units. It is imperative that nursing homes manage potential cost pressures in line with their regulatory and contractual responsibilities, maintaining their quality of care so that residents’ lived experience and comfort is not affected.
The Government has also provided substantial supports to the nursing home sector over the course of the pandemic. Over €143 million has been claimed by nursing homes under the TAPS scheme since spring 2020, and the scheme continues in effect. Substantial additional supports have been provided by the HSE in terms of serial testing, PPE, the deployment of specialist teams and other services. Many of these supports continue.
