David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if nursing homes and community hospitals that were supported by the State before the introduction of the nursing home support scheme will continue to receive at least the same level of support after the introduction of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5648/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Nursing Homes Support Scheme is a new system of financial support for individuals in need of long-term residential care. The commencement of the scheme brought about a fundamental change in the way in which such care is funded and, consequently, the way in which the nursing homes and community hospitals referred to by the Deputy are funded.

In the past, these facilities were allocated a lump sum annually. In contrast, the new scheme supports the individuals in need of long-term residential care, not the facilities providing the care. This means that funding follows the patients and ensures that these facilities are not being funded for empty beds.

The legislation underpinning the scheme requires all nursing homes operated by or on behalf of the HSE to publish the cost of care. The cost for these nursing homes has been determined using the definition of "long-term residential care services" underpinned by an agreed set of cost components which has been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. All other nursing homes must negotiate and agree a price for the cost of care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Finally, as stated above, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme only applies to long-term residential care. Nursing homes and community hospitals can continue to have separate agreements with the HSE for the provision of other services, e.g. day care, respite and convalescence.