Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health when the review of the fair deal scheme will be brought before the Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45920/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced in October 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The reason for allowing this period to elapse is to ensure that trends and statistics will be available in order to inform the work.

A public consultation process to inform the review concluded in mid-July. The Department will be publishing a summary report of the submissions received. Thereafter, the Department will be seeking tenders through the public procurement process for the carrying out of the review.

The Terms of Reference for the review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme are:

Taking account of Government policy, demographic trends and the fiscal situation -

1. To examine the on-going sustainability of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme,

2. To examine the overall cost of long-term residential care in public and private nursing homes and the effectiveness of the current methods of negotiating/setting prices,

3. Having regard to 1. and 2. above, to consider the balance of funding between long-term residential care and community based services, and

4. To make recommendations for the future operation and management of the scheme.

As the Scheme is statutory based, the implementation of any recommendations arising from the review may require significant amendments to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act, 2009.

A considerable amount of preparatory work for the review has already been completed. It will progress within the constraints of available staff and other priorities. At this stage I envisage that the review will be completed in 2013.