Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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1096. To ask the Minister for Health if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 who has failed to receive a response in regard to supports available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31928/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme, which are as follows: Acute Leukaemia; Intellectual Disability; Cerebral Palsy; Mental Illness (in a person under 16); Cystic Fibrosis; Multiple Sclerosis; Diabetes Insipidus; Muscular Dystrophies; Diabetes Mellitus; Parkinsonism; Epilepsy; Phenylketonuria; Haemophilia; Spina Bifida; Hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the LTI scheme. Under the LTI scheme, persons suffering from these prescribed conditions are provided free of charge with the drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances required for the specific treatment of those conditions. Drugs and medicines required for other associated conditions are not covered under the scheme.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost.

Participants in the Scheme contribute up to 80% of their assessable income and a maximum of 7.5% per annum of the value of assets held. In the case of a couple, the applicant’s means are assessed as 50% of the couple’s combined income and assets. The first €36,000 of an individual’s assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not counted at all in the financial assessment. The capital value of an individual’s principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme has a number of important safeguards built into the financial assessment which ensures that:-

- Nobody will pay more than the actual cost of care;

- An applicant will keep a personal allowance of 20% of his/her income or 20% of the maximum rate of the State Pension (non-Contributory), whichever is greater;

- If an applicant has a spouse/partner remaining at home, he/she will be left with 50% of the couple’s income or the maximum rate of the State Pension (non-Contributory), whichever is greater;

- If both members of a couple enter nursing home care, they each retain at least 20% of their income, or 20% of the maximum rate of the State Pension (non-Contributory), whichever is greater;

- Certain items of expenditure, called allowable deductions, can be taken into account for the financial assessment, including health expenses, payments required by law, rent payments and borrowings in respect of a person’s principal private residence;

- A person’s eligibility for other schemes, such as the Medical Card Scheme or the Drug Payment Scheme, is unaffected by participation in the Nursing Homes Support Scheme or residence in a nursing home.

In addition to these safeguards, where an applicant’s assets include land and property held in the State, the contribution based on such assets may be deferred and collected from their estate. A nursing home resident can apply for this deferral at any stage.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme covers the cost of the standard components of residential care which are:

- Nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person;

- Bed and board

- Basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living

- Laundry service

A person’s financial assessment can be reviewed, at their request, if 12 months have passed since the initial financial assessment or the most recent review, or if the HSE is satisfied that there has been a material change to the person’s financial circumstances.

The applicant’s local HSE Nursing Homes Support Office will be able to provide further details in relation to the financial review process (HSE Nursing Homes Support Office, Oak House, Millennium Park, Naas, Co. Kildare. Tel: 045 880400).

The specific issues raised in relation to the Long Term Illness Scheme are service matters and have been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.