The following motion was moved by Deputy Billy Kelleher on Tuesday, 11 November 2014:That Dáil Éireann:recognising that:— the rate of growth for Ireland’s over-65 population is nearly double that of the EU as a whole; — the number of over-65s is projected to increase by approximately 20,000 per year between now and 2021; and — the number in the 80-84 age group is forecast to grow by approximately 20,300 people, or 29%, and the number of people aged 85 years and over will increase by 26,800, or 46%, between now and 2021;noting that in July 2014 the Department of Health:— briefed the new Minister for Health that these demographic pressures equate to an additional funding requirement of the order of €200 million per annum over the coming years; — further briefed the Minister for Health that demographics indicate increased demand for long-term residential care; and — estimated that it would appear that a minimum of an additional 7,600 beds for long-term residential care will be required between now and 2021;further noting:— that the 2014 Health Service Executive (HSE) Service Plan reduced funding for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, ‘Fair Deal’, by comparison to 2013; — that the HSE provided for 700 fewer placements under ‘Fair Deal’ in 2014; — the consequent increase in both the numbers waiting for a nursing home place under ‘Fair Deal’ and the time spent on the waiting list; — that in February 2014 there were 654 people waiting four weeks to get financial approval for ‘Fair Deal’ support; and — that in October 2014 there were 2,182 people waiting 15/16 weeks to get financial approval for ‘Fair Deal’ support; andcalls for:— the 2015 HSE Service Plan to reverse the reduction in support for ‘Fair Deal’ implemented in 2014; and — long-term residential care to be adequately resourced to take account of demographic changes.

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