Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the nursing home support scheme [5459/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I accept fully that the increase in the asset contribution under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme which was announced in Budget 2013 is not solely for the purpose of allowing financial support to be given to additional applicants in 2013.

The Scheme is, and will remain, a significant cost for the HSE. Having regard to the average cost of care in public and private nursing homes and the average contribution made by residents, the HSE currently meets between 69% to 80% of the cost of care, depending on the nursing home involved. Even after the increased asset contribution comes into effect, the HSE will continue to meet the greater part of these costs.

Given the extreme pressure that now exists on HSE funding across the full range of its services, it is necessary to apply an increase to the amounts that nursing home residents contribute towards their cost of care. These contributions remain based on the means of the individuals concerned, and on their ability to pay.

I would refer again to the safeguards of the Scheme which I outlined in detail in my answer to the Deputy’s earlier question of the 22nd January 2013.