Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 509: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the fair deal scheme funding scheme; if any new applications are being funded as opposed to simply being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24937/11]

Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 519: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25001/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 509 and 519 together.

The processing of approvals for financial support under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme was suspended for a month from May to June while an examination of funding was being carried out. However, the HSE has been issuing funding approvals again since the 13th June. Almost 1,700 people have been allocated funding since that date. The HSE is continuing to process applications within the funding limits available to the scheme and in accordance with the legislation.

The HSE intends to deal with those currently awaiting approval within the next month. This week, a further 900 funding approvals will be issued to applicants.

By the end of the year, the HSE intends that any delays in awarding funding will be eliminated. The situation will be closely monitored to ensure that funding is allocated as soon as it becomes available. It is anticipated that any delays will be resolved in the final quarter of 2011.