Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 485: To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide the average processing time for applications made under the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39850/11]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 492: To ask the Minister for Health in view of the fact that applicants to the fair deal scheme are not entitled to benefit from the scheme until such a time as their application has been approved, if he will be assigning additional staff to ensure a more efficient processing of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39900/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 492 together.

The Minister for Health agreed to the amendment to the backdating provision in the HSE's National Guidelines for the Standardised Implementation of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme subject to certain assurances from the HSE. Among these were the fact that average processing times for complete applications should not exceed 4-6 weeks and that geographical location would not disadvantage applicants. However, it should be noted that a significant volume of applications are submitted to the HSE without the necessary supporting documentation. This can create delays which are outside of the HSE's control. It is my understanding that the HSE is currently processing complete applications within the 4-6 week timeframe.