Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

398. To ask the Minister for Health if he will publish an interim report on the review of the progress of the fair deal scheme; when the final report is due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40323/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, which commenced in 2009, provides financial support towards the cost of care of long-term residential care services in nursing homes. A commitment was made in 2009 that the Scheme would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published on 20th July 2015. The Review included a general examination of the operation of the Scheme, as well as the balance between residential care and care in the community, and a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies.

An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group is currently being established to progress the recommendations contained in the Report. This Group will be chaired by the Department of Health and will comprise relevant officials from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE, the Revenue Commissioners and, where relevant, the National Treatment Purchase Fund. This Group is due to report to the Cabinet Committee on Health in June 2016.