Denis Naughten
Question:79. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to reform the fair deal nursing home support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16900/23]
View answerThursday, 20 April 2023
Questions (79)
Written answers
The nursing home sector has changed in recent decades from a predominantly State-led service to a situation today where approximately 80% of nursing home services are provided by the private sector.
It is essential that all future plans for the nursing home sector continue to prioritise the best interests of residents while seeking value for money for the Exchequer. The Government is committed to seeing greater public sector involvement in the residential care of older people in Ireland and to move over time towards a needs-based model of funding and pricing for the nursing home sector.
Important strands of reform to the nursing home sector are being, or have been, brought forward. The Government remains committed to delivering on the 86 recommendations of COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel, especially those recommendations related to long-term sectoral reform, the nine recommendations of the Value for Money Review on Nursing Home Costs, the four recommendations of the NTPF Review of Pricing System for Long Term Residential Care Facilities and the 16 recommendations of the Strategic Workforce Advisory Group on Home Carers and Nursing Home Health Care Assistants. Work continues within the Department of Health to deliver on all of these recommendations, as well as analysing the outcomes of the Skills Mix and Safe Staffing pilots which will inform future policy.
In addition, under the terms of the amended Nursing Homes Support Scheme legislation, measures introduced last November to incentivise rental of principal private residences by Fair Deal participants, which increased the rental amount which can be retained from 20% to 60%, will be reviewed after six months of operation at the end of April 2023. The intention is for further amendment after that point if necessary following examination of any unintended consequences and potential safeguarding issues.
The Department of Health has also met with the NTPF Board to discuss ways in which to support the sector. I am also collaborating with other Government departments and relevant agencies to consider other options to support the sector. I am determined to reverse the trend of smaller and family-run nursing homes leaving the market.
Given the size, complexity and cost of the NHSS, implementation is complex and any changes in policy direction need to be carefully assessed and kept under review.