Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 479: To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the future viability of a hospital (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24557/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The facility referred to by the Deputy is not a public facility, it is a voluntary facility which has a service level agreement with the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act 2009.

The legislation underpinning the Nursing Homes Support Scheme requires all private nursing homes and voluntary nursing homes which previously received funding under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 to negotiate and agree a price for the cost of care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) should they wish to participate in the scheme. This is a necessary feature of the scheme due to the commitment by the State to meet the full balance of the cost of care over and above a person's contribution.

The NTPF has statutory responsibility for the negotiation of prices with private and voluntary nursing homes. The NTPF is independent in the performance of this function and, in carrying it out, it must ensure value for money for both the individual and the State. The NTPF negotiates with each nursing home individually and may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process. This method of negotiation is necessary in order to ensure that the State obtains the best value for each individual in a nursing home and to comply with competition law.

The HSE is continuing to engage with the Board of Management of the facility to support the process of decision making with regard to the future of the service. The HSE will support whatever decision the Board of Management makes and hopes to work closely with it to provide services in the area into the future in a sustainable manner.