Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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245. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52461/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware, the total amounts available to fund health services in 2014 will be considerably lower than for this year. Accordingly, all expenditure headings are being scrutinised. The funding that is available must be balanced across all of the various service areas in a way that achieves the best possible outcomes for the greatest number of service users and prioritises areas of greatest need as far as possible.

The needs of our older people are, and will remain, a very high priority for me and for the Government, and the resources that ultimately are available will be applied to provide the best possible mix of supports and services.