Dr. Kathleen MacLellan:

It might be helpful to give an update on the pricing review. As outlined by Mr. Daly, it was provided to the then Minister in late 2019. The report is complex and was given preliminary consideration by the Minister at that time. The report is now with the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, and the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, who are considering its content and the appropriate next steps. It is expected to be published soon.

We will have to give consideration to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. As was noted, the temporary payment assistance scheme has provided to the private nursing home sector additional Covid-related support to the value of €62.5 million to date. We will also need to give consideration to the Covid-19 expert panel recommendations in considering the pricing mechanisms within the nursing homes. Importantly, funding this year was provided for the recruitment of interRAI assessors, so we can move to put forward a standard assessment tool for the assessment of all older people, irrespective of whether they are going into nursing homes or whether they will be supported within their own home.