John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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228. To ask the Minister for Health when the interdepartmental committee that was set up to review the nursing home support scheme will be reporting back to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20047/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015 and included a general examination of the operation of the Scheme as well as the balance between residential care and care in the community. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies.

An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Review. This Group is chaired by the Department of Health and includes representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE, the Revenue Commissioners and, when required, the National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Four meetings of this Working Group have taken place to date. A specific date has not been set for the Group to conclude its work, but it is in the process of reporting on its progress to date to the Cabinet Committee on Health. This will be done shortly, in line with the Committee's own scheduling requirements.