Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the Health Service Executive warning within its National Operational Plan 2013 (details supplied); the planning he is undertaking for the significant growth in requirement for long-term residential care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16319/13]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide a timeframe in respect of the finalisation and publication of the Health Service Executive Review of Public Nursing Home Units; in the interest of openness and transparency, if he will commit to publishing the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16322/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1155 and 1158 together.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive must prepare a service plan and submit it to the Minister for Health for approval. The National Service Plan sets out the quantum and type of health services to be provided in 2013 within the overall level of funding provided.

In accordance with the Act Minister Reilly approved the Plan and laid a copy before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 9^th January this year. Subsequently, the Executive prepared and published its Operational Plan and Regional Service Plans which underpin the National Service Plan.

The HSE has responsibility for the delivery of services set out in these Regional Plans and to ensure that services are delivered within budget. The demand for these services will continue to grow with changing demographics, and the associated complex needs of an ageing population. At the last Census, there were over 535,000 people over the age of 65 in Ireland. This was an increase of 14.4% since the 2011 Census. It is estimated that by 2041, there will be between 1.3m and 1.4m people over the age of 65 in Ireland, with the greatest increases in the over 80 age group.

As the Deputy is aware, the Department is working closely with the HSE to develop an overall plan regarding future public nursing home provision for the Minister’s consideration. The plan will reflect regional need and have regard to the current severe financial constraints, restrictions on public sector staffing and recruitment and the on-going need to meet service and safety standards; all of which pose challenges for community nursing units across the country. Additional work is needed before this exercise can be completed and a set of proposals presented to the Minister for consideration.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, is a demand - led, resource capped system of financial support for people assessed as needing long-term nursing home care. Funding is currently being released on a weekly basis. At end of January it was taking an average of 34 days for funding to issue, from the date that the person's application was determined.

The 2013 Service Plan sets a target of 22,761 people to be in receipt of financial support at end-2013, compared to 22,065 at end-2012. Approvals will continue to be granted and the position will be kept under constant weekly review. The HSE is monitoring the Scheme on a weekly basis and has demonstrated its ability to manage this process effectively.

Work on the review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is ongoing. The review will include an examination of the on-going sustainability of the Scheme. It is expected that the review will be completed in 2013.