Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for making time available to deal with this matter, which is in regard to nursing homes. It is a difficulty that has been experienced for quite some time which applies very much to nursing homes outside Dublin. The moneys they are entitled to collect under the National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, may be far lower than the cost of providing care to elderly people. When the NTPF set out the amount to be paid, no appeals process was put in place for when there is a genuine reason for an increased amount to be paid. The figures were set in stone by the NTPF and no other opportunity is available. It is in this context I raise the matter to see whether a very simple appeals process could be put in place to deal with it. Obviously, I do not want it opening up a situation whereby everyone can appeal. Certain circumstances would have to be set out on the reasons for an appeal and why it is felt it is warranted that the figure fixed by the NTPF is unfair and unreasonable within which to provide a service.