Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply, which dealt with the issue I raised by acknowledging that patients are entitled to access to dieticians under the fair deal scheme, but not in a nursing home setting. Short cuts are being taken and dieticians who are not employed by the HSE are being used by nursing homes.

As a result, an additional cost is imposed on the HSE in real terms. I urge the Minister to examine the matter. While dieticians do have access to community facilities and provide support in community facilities, we should now examine the issue in the context of the fair deal scheme in order to ensure we get value for money for the service they provide. The matter should be addressed in future contracts.