Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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33. To ask the Minister for Health if resources for the nursing home support scheme will be increased in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30642/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme 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.

Funding of €940 million will be available for the Scheme in 2017. This is an increase of €18.5million on the projected outturn for 2016. In line with the commitment contained in the Programme for a Partnership Government the funding provided will mean that approved applicants will have access to funding within approximately 4 weeks. The Scheme will support an additional 500 people in 2017 increasing the number supported to just over 23,600 by the end of the year.