Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 360: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the nursing homes support scheme is still in place; if there is adequate funding to meet the expected demand this year; if the Health Service Executive has stated that it is no longer accepting applications for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12471/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced on 27th October 2009. Since the commencement of the scheme, the HSE has received over 20,900 applications. 16,300 applications have resulted in final approval, as of the end of March 2011. In 2011 a total of €1.011billion is allocated in the HSE Service Plan to fund all long-term residential care.

A number of factors, including an increase in demand, have emerged this year which are contributing to increased pressure on the level of funding available for the scheme. Applications for the Fair Deal Scheme continue to be accepted and processed. However, approvals will be subject to the availability of funding. The HSE is working closely with the Department to explore options to meet the increased demand for this scheme within the resource constraints.