Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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To ask the Minister for Health his plans for funding the development of elder care in the public health system; and his plans funding elder care of public patients in for profit nursing homes (details supplied). [14016/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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This Government is committed to enhancing the quality of life of older people, maintaining their full potential, supporting them in their homes and communities, providing access to respite care and day care and, when required, providing access to quality long-term residential care. This commitment is reflected in both the HSE's National Service Plan 2013 and the National Operational Plan 2013 which set the following service targets for this year:

It should be noted that these targets are either the same as, or greater than, the level of service provided in 2012.

With regard to residential services for older people, both myself and my colleague, Minister Reilly are committed to the provision of a quality public nursing home service, underpinned by a system of registration and inspection. The Nursing Homes Support Scheme provides financial support to people assessed as needing long-term nursing home care. The scheme is founded on the basis that long-term care should be affordable and that a person should receive the same level of State support whether they choose a public, voluntary or private nursing home. Nursing home residents in receipt of financial support under the Scheme contribute towards the cost of their care according to their means. In 2012, with a budget of almost €1 billion, financial support was provided to over 22,000 people in nursing homes.