Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she plans to allow a full debate on the legislation for the proposed fair deal scheme for funding nursing home care; when it is planned to do same; when the scheme will be implemented in view of the fact that the uncertainty surrounding the scheme is causing anxiety to elderly people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33024/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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Both my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, and I intend to allow a full debate on the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008. The Minister introduced the Second Stage of the Bill in the Dáil on 13 November and it is her intention to progress the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas with a view to implementing the scheme in 2009. As the introduction of the scheme is contingent upon the successful passage through the Houses, and enactment of the legislation, it is not possible to be more specific at this stage. Finally, it should be noted that, following enactment of the legislation, the National Treatment Purchase Fund will have to agree prices with private nursing home providers prior to the full implementation of the scheme.