Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. My only concern is with the definition of "shortly". This matter has been going on since 2016. There are complex issues involved. The problem we now have is that there are complex cases in the private nursing homes sector. These homes are not being funded to the same level as HSE-run facilities. To give the Minister of State an example, I know of two units of 100 beds each, both of which were built within the past ten years. One is run by the HSE and the other by the private sector. They are both HSE facilities. The unit run by the private sector is costing €900 per week per bed. The unit run by the HSE is costing €1,500 per week per bed. That is a difference of more than €600 per week. This is the problem I have with how funding is allocated. People may come in through the private sector without any major difficulties with regard to their care but as they age their care becomes more complex. The private sector, however, is not getting the same level of financial support to deal with those complex cases. That is an issue that needs to be reviewed.

The other matter that needs to be dealt with, which I know is slightly different, is the HSE not allowing dieticians to visit nursing homes. Great costs arise as a result of that. If dieticians from the HSE were visiting nursing homes monthly it would reduce the level of supplements being prescribed. These health supplements are being prescribed by dieticians employed by their manufacturers. That is another issue which needs to be looked at.