Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when legislation will be enacted in relation to the fair deal scheme; the role of the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3617/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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The Bill providing for the Fair Deal scheme is at a very advanced stage and is being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General at present. It is intended to publish the Bill as soon as possible following Government approval.

Under the new nursing home support scheme, A Fair Deal, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) will negotiate prices for long-term care with private nursing home owners on behalf of the State. Where nursing homes agree prices for the purposes of the scheme with the NTPF, the NTPF will recommend the homes to the Health Service Executive for inclusion on the list of nursing homes 'approved' for the scheme.

While not a matter for the NTPF, private nursing homes will also have to be registered in order to be 'approved' for the scheme.