Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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463. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the Central Statistics Office's projection that Ireland's over 80s population will rise from 128,000 in 2011 to between 470,000 and 484,000 in 2046; his further views on the impact of this demographic change on demand for long-term residential care for older persons over the period 2016 to 2046; if he will project likely levels of required residential care places by 2020, 2025, 2030, 2035, 2040 and 2045; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18344/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Residential care in Ireland is provided through a mix of public, voluntary and private provision. The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a key component of our health service. The budget for long-term residential care in 2015 is €993m. It is estimated that this will provide financial support to nearly 24,000 people this year in public, private and voluntary nursing homes.

Between now and 2024 the population over 65 years is projected to increase by about 200,000 people. Based upon current trends those requiring long-term care will increase by about 9,000 over the same period.

When the NHSS commenced, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. This review, which is almost complete, has been carried out by my Department in collaboration with the HSE, with analysis and recommendations provided by Deloitte & Touche Consultants on specific issues which required specialised expertise. The Review, as well as considering how the Scheme has operated to date, identifies some of the broader issues that will need to be considered and tested more fully into the future, including the future financing of the full range of supports for older people, how community and residential supports and services should be balanced, and whether new care approaches can contribute positively to older peoples' needs.

The Review will be completed and made publicly available in the near future.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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464. To ask the Minister for Health the optimal level of long-term residential care beds for older persons within the Health Service Executive Dublin north east region by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18345/15]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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465. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form by county, the existing number of places for long-term residential care for older persons in the Health Service Executive Dublin north east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18347/15]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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466. To ask the Minister for Health the demand for long-term residential nursing home care places in the Health Service Executive Dublin north east region. [18360/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 to 466, inclusive, together.

As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.