Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

A review is ongoing. When the nursing homes support scheme was introduced, a commitment was given that it would be reviewed after three years. The terms of reference for the review are:

Taking account of Government policy, demographic trends and the fiscal situation--

1. To examine the on-going sustainability of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme,

2. To examine the overall cost of long-term residential care in public and private nursing homes and the effectiveness of the current methods of negotiating/setting prices,

3. Having regard to 1. and 2. above, to consider the balance of funding between long-term residential care and community based services,

4. To consider the extension of the scheme to community based services and to other sectors (Disability and Mental Health), and

5. To make recommendations for the future operation and management of the scheme.

A consultation process took place in 2012 which included all of the various organisations involved. The review has not yet been completed, but we expect it to be completed in the autumn. Among other things, it will look at the balance of funding between community and residential care. As the scheme is statutorily based, the implementation of recommendations arising from the review may require amendments to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009.

To answer Deputy Róisín Shortall's question, the Bill involves extending eligibility for GP services to children under the age of six years. When the legislation is passed, this will be initiated and established and all children under the age of six years will have access to these services. It follows that children aged six years and over will not have access to them, at least until we have an opportunity to extend the scheme. I very much hope there will be further legislation to allow us to do this, although no Government decision has been made in that respect. That is certainly my aspiration. Children under six years will have access to services, while children aged six and over will not. Some preparatory work has been carried out by the PCRS and the precise details of the modalities in furnishing cards and the contacting and signing up of individuals will be provided if the legislation is passed by both Houses.

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