Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The occupancy rate is relevant. I have looked at that because I am personally in touch with all of the nursing homes, private and public, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. I am greatly concerned that the Comptroller and Auditor General, over a period of time, has highlighted the issues with the regard to funding and support for nursing home residents. There seems to be a dire need for scrutiny because the disparity in care provision is growing. With respect to Deputy Carthy and the point that there may be an inclination to move to care at home, I am one of a family of 11 looking after my 83-year-old mother in a home environment. I can say that that is not a model that anybody will be moving to because 24-hour care in a home setting involves almost 20 people in the course of a week. I cannot see how that model would be suitable for many. Much of the equipment used in home care requires two people to operate it, so I do not want people in this country to be under the illusion that funding will be provided or that value for money will be delivered in providing care in a home setting. I do not believe that and it should not be intimated.

The review of the fair deal scheme was published in 2015. Can Dr. O'Reardon provide the committee with an update on the status of the pricing review? It was previously stated that the review would take 18 months to complete. Are we any closer to completion of the pricing review?