Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
674. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if any meetings have taken place between him and representatives from private nursing homes in relation to the current challenges that private nursing homes are facing with regards to increased costs and trying to remain viable and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33513/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra675. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if he acknowledges the current crisis in the private nursing home sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33516/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 674 and 675 together.
The Government is conscious of the financial challenges faced by the nursing home sector, especially smaller and voluntary nursing homes that may not have access to the same economies of scale as larger homes or groups. The Government has provided substantial support to the private and voluntary nursing home sector over the course of the pandemic. Over €150m of financial support has been provided to private and voluntary nursing homes through the COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) and the provision of free PPE and oxygen to private nursing homes continues, costing approximately €77 million to date.A new €10 million scheme (TIPS) was established last year to support private and voluntary nursing homes with increases in energy costs, covering 75% of year-on-year cost increases up to a monthly cap of €5,250 per nursing home. Following a recent review this scheme was extended for a second time to the end of June 2023.Overall, €1.4 billion of the total Health Budget was allocated last year to support over 22,700 people under Fair Deal. This will increase to nearly €1.5 billion for 2023, and I am cognisant that the budget has to support all residents under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) for the full calendar year.The only mechanism for funding from the public purse for nursing home residents is Fair Deal and it is really important that private and voluntary providers continue to engage in the process as set out in the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. Overall, 425 private nursing homes negotiate with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) the independent body designated by the Oireachtas to agree maximum prices that can be charged under Fair Deal. The Department of Health and I have regular interaction with the NTPF and met them recently to discuss ways to support the sector, where necessary and appropriate, to complement the normal process of negotiating rate increases when contracts are renewed. Budget 2023 saw an over €40 million in additional funding for the NHSS which will provide for an uplift in the maximum prices chargeable by private and voluntary nursing homes, as negotiated. Anyone who has had a scheduled renegotiation of their Deed of Agreement this year with the NTPF has seen a significant uplift. In addition, other options to support nursing homes are also being explored, such as to help with the often costly nature of compliance for nursing homes under necessary HIQA regulations.Furthermore, the Department recognises the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue with stakeholders as we continue to discuss matters relevant to the operation and funding of nursing homes and ongoing matters relating to the operation of the NHSS.Both I and my officials from the Department of Health have met with The Alliance, a newly formed support network for smaller, family-run nursing homes, several times, most recently on 10 May. Through regular correspondence, the Department and I continue to engage with The Alliance. I recognise that The Alliance represents an important voice within the sector and their input is valued. In addition, both I and officials from the Department have had, and continue to have, engagement with Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) on an ongoing basis.As a key stakeholder, it is important to maintain constructive dialogue with this representative body as we continue to discuss matters relevant to the operation and funding of nursing homes and ongoing matters relating to the operation of, and proposed changes to, the NHSS. Most recently officials met with NHI to review the publication of the PWC report Challenges for Nursing Homes in the Provision of Older Persons Care which was commissioned by NHI. Furthermore, the Department has been engaging with individual nursing homes on a continuous and consistent basis and nursing home groups in attempting to address some of the issues they are raising in relation to funding and increased inflationary costs.It is important that lines of communication are maintained with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that nursing home care continues to be provided to older people that is accessible and affordable for everyone, and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings whilst simultaneously maintaining comfort levels and standards of care.
