Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health in order to ensure the future financial viability of the community hospital on Valentia Island, County Kerry, if he will ensure an increase in the funds paid per patient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48222/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) was designated under section 40 of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 as the body which must negotiate and agree the price for long-term residential care services with all private nursing homes and voluntary nursing homes (which previously received funding for long-term residential care under section 39 of the Health Act 2004) that wish to be "approved nursing homes" for the purposes of the Scheme. This negotiation process 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 is independent in the performance of this function. Consequently, any question of an increase to the cost of care would be a matter for the NTPF.

As the Deputy is aware, the NTPF has engaged forensic accountants to support it in its negotiating role. The forensic accountants have visited Valentia Hospital. Their report will inform future negotiations between the NTPF and Valentia Hospital.