P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received under the fair deal scheme to date; the number of applications that have been processed to date; the average time it takes to process an application; the total number of applications refused support through the fair deal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41983/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE has received almost 16,500 applications for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme to date. Of these, over 12,250 have been approved and applications continue to be processed on a daily basis. Approximately 200 applications have been refused on the basis that the applicant was deemed not to require long-term residential care or that the applicant's contribution to care exceeded the cost of care.

The average length of time to process an application varies depending on whether the application is for State support only, or for State support and the Nursing Home Loan. It also depends on the complexity of the case. The HSE has indicated that a significant volume of applications are submitted without the necessary supporting documentation. This can create delays which are outside of the HSE's control. However, once fully complete and in order, applications are processed within approximately 1-2 weeks. Following approval of an application, the HSE immediately arranges for payment of financial support on the applicant's behalf to their chosen nursing home.