Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Health his plans regarding the funding and staffing of Health Service Executive care homes for older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16272/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware the HSE is facing challenges in respect of all services in 2012. In the case of Community Nursing Units these challenges include staffing, funding and the age and structure of HSE units.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, introduced in October 2009, significantly changed the way in which long term care is funded. In the past public facilities were allocated budgets on an annual basis. In contrast, the new scheme supports individuals in need of long term residential care, not the facilities providing the care. This scheme applies equally to residents in voluntary, public and private facilities.

My colleague Minister Reilly has requested that the HSE provide him with a plan which seeks to protect the viability of as many public units as possible within the funding and staffing resources available, including smaller units where challenges of scale may require more innovative approaches to service delivery. This will require a combination of actions such as consolidation of services, changes in staffing, skill mix and work practices. It will also have to take into account the different types of services required and the capacity available within an area. The HSE has also been asked to carry out a risk assessment in relation to the staffing situation. The HSE will be working closely with the Department to develop an overall set of proposals for the Minister.