Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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374. To ask the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 will be moved from a private hospital to the public system for long-term intensive care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39882/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Nursing Homes Support Scheme is a system of financial support for individuals who require long-term nursing home care. It aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.

Anyone who is ordinarily resident in the State and is assessed as requiring long-term nursing home care can avail of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, regardless of age. However, nursing home care must be appropriate to meet the individual’s care needs.

A fundamental principle enshrined in the legislation underpinning the Scheme is that of patient choice. Once a person receives approval for financial support, they can choose to enter any nursing home that is participating in the Scheme in any part of the country, subject to the nursing home having an available bed and being able to cater for the person’s particular needs. This applies to public, private and voluntary nursing homes alike.

In general terms, eligibility for health services is based primarily on residency and means. Under the Health Act 1970, the public health system provides for two categories of eligibility for persons ordinarily resident in the state, i.e. full eligibility (medical card holders) and limited eligibility (all others). Full eligibility is determined mainly by reference to income limits. Determination of an individual's eligibility status is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive.

The level of private health insurance cover for inpatient hospital treatment is set out in the terms and conditions of the insured person's private health insurance policy.