Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2081. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to review the State’s contribution to nursing homes under the nursing home support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44329/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. The primary legislation underpinning the NHSS is the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009. Participants in the NHSS contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost.
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.
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.
The Department published a review of the NTPF pricing system in June 2021. This review was conducted by the NTPF with input from stakeholders and external experts. It recommended several actions to improve the pricing system. The department continues to work with the NTPF to take forward the recommended actions that emerged from this review. The Department is also taking forward the nine recommendations of the Value For Money Review on Nursing Home costs published last December.
Given the size and scope of the NHSS, which is expected to cost the State more than €1.053 billion this year, any changes must be delivered carefully and with due consideration to their impact and any unexpected consequences.
