Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1882. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the plans that he has made to tackle the issue of increased inflationary costs affecting private and voluntary nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43463/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the specific challenges faced by the Nursing Home sector related to price inflation and increased energy costs. I have met directly with Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI), the representative organisation for private and voluntary nursing homes. I 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. I will provide an update to sector representatives as soon as possible.
