Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide financial assistance to a home (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14899/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Financial support for long-term nursing home care is provided under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. The Scheme provides support to individuals, not to nursing homes. In order to be an approved nursing home for the purposes of the Scheme 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, must negotiate and agree a price for the cost of long-term nursing home care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). This is necessary due to the commitment by the State to meet the full balance of the cost of care over and above individuals’ contributions.

The NTPF is independent in the performance of this function and, in carrying it out, it must ensure value for money for both the individual and the State. The NTPF negotiates with each nursing home individually and may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process.

Finally, the Scheme only applies to long-term nursing home care. Nursing homes, including the one referred to by the Deputy, can have separate agreements with the HSE for the provision of other services, e.g. day care, respite and convalescence.