Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One of the things I am hoping to get over the line in the budget is the provision of options to support nursing homes given the often costly nature of compliance with HIQA regulations. I fully support HIQA in what it does. At the same time, when HIQA goes into a nursing home there may be issues relating to infection prevention and control, health and safety, fire safety or ligature risks for older people. Addressing those can be very costly for nursing homes. I am looking at that area to see what we can do to support nursing homes in that regard.

As I outlined, an extra €41 million was provided. Approximately 60% of nursing homes have renegotiated their deed this year. They have seen an increase of up to 7% in their contracts, which has made a significant difference. I want to do more next year. There are nursing homes which were not in a position to renegotiate this year because they had renegotiated last year and are technically excluded from the additional funding. We are looking at that as well.

I am very conscious of all the matters Deputy Ring raised and I thank him for raising them. The voluntary not-for-profit sector does a very good job. I am looking at all options. I will take on board what the Deputy said. Mayo is one of the counties I have not been to but would love to visit.

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