Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the way the National Treatment Purchase Fund will base its pricing structure for beds in nursing homes; if there will be room for negotiations following the pricing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32172/09]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has responsibility for the negotiation of prices for the provision of long-term residential care services with private nursing home providers. This negotiation is based on the definition of "long-term residential care services" as set out in the Act and on supplementary policy information provided by the Department.

The Act defines "long-term residential care services" as maintenance, health and personal care services. The Department has further clarified that this includes: bed and board, nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person, laundry service, and basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living.

This information forms the basis for the NTPF to agree prices with private nursing homes. These prices will be fixed for the term of the agreement.

The NTPF's negotiating role under the scheme will be an ongoing one. Re-negotiations will take place at regular intervals. This will enable both parties to an agreement to take account of inflation and other developments on a periodic basis. It will also enable new entrants to the nursing home sector to participate in the scheme.