Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2022
246. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate any schemes funded by his Department to assist community voluntary and Section 39 organisations towards the replacement of transport fleets for senior citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62382/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA once-off fund of €100m for 2022 has been allocated from Budget 2023 to support community-based health and social care service providers for cost increases. This funding includes the €10m Temporary Inflation Payment Scheme for private nursing homes and a larger fund for voluntary community-based providers, which is being made available in recognition of the challenges being faced in delivering and maintaining key health and social care services against a backdrop of increased inflationary pressures affecting energy, heating and related costs. These organisations are funded through the HSE to deliver a range of health and social care services on behalf of the HSE to communities around Ireland. This includes residential, day and ancillary services for people with a disability, older people, mental health services, palliative care services, addiction services and other health and social care services provided in the community.
The details of the plan are being finalised. It is proposed that the inflation support fund will be administered by the HSE utilising the mechanisms in place for funding eligible organisations in receipt of Service Level Arrangements and Grant Aid Agreements. These arrangements are already in place with organisations that provide key health and social care services for people in Ireland. It is proposed that payments will be made to eligible organisations in the final quarter of 2022 to meet the pressures of this Winter.
