Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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425. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the fair deal scheme to include home care packages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2657/17]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Government policy is to promote care in the community for older people so that they can continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible and long-term nursing care should be a last resort after home support and other community based supports have been exhausted. However, the main statutory scheme for older people is the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, which provides for a system of financial support for those assessed as needing long-term nursing home care.

The Department has commenced an examination of options to bring greater national consistency to the regulation and financing of home care. This work began in 2016 with a review by the Health Research Board of how home care is regulated and funded in comparable jurisdictions, commissioned by the Department. The review will be finalised shortly and will be used to inform the development of policy proposals for the regulation and funding of these services.

The development of a regulatory and funding model for home care services is a complex undertaking involving very significant legislative, operational and financial resources. It is considered that the best option for the future may be a statutory home care scheme specifically designed for home care. The Department's intention is that regulation of the home care sector will be done in parallel with the development of a scheme.

In addition, a public consultation process will be launched in the coming months to allow stakeholders, including older people, their families and healthcare workers to express their views regarding a new homecare scheme. As is usual with public consultations, details will be publically announced when they have been finalised.

The development of a statutory home care scheme is a priority for me, as Minister, and I can assure the Deputy it will be progressed as a matter of urgency.

Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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426. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent documentary "We Need to Talk About Dad"; his views on whether the fair deal scheme is overly complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2660/17]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the documentary referred to and the issues raised, and would like to assure the Deputy that help is available to anyone who may need additional assistance in applying for support under the Fair Deal Scheme, and work on implementing improvements is well underway.

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 income and assets 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.

When the NHSS 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. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies, including recommendations in relation to improving and simplifying the application process. This includes:

- reviewing documents with advice from the National Adult Literacy Agency to ensure that they are as user-friendly, clear and informative as possible;

- ensuring that there is clear guidance on where relevant information can be found;

- making sample application forms available;

- reviewing the content of correspondence with applicants to make sure that it is clear; and

- standardising informal advice provided to applicants in relation to the nursing home loan element of the Scheme.

Work on implementing these improvements is well underway by the HSE, and this should assist with making the process of applying for support under the Fair Deal Scheme more manageable, understandable and efficient for people who are at a vulnerable stage in their lives.

The HSE website provides helpful information and guides which explain the application process. There are also Nursing Homes Support Offices located throughout the country who are available to assist with any queries in relation to the Scheme. Contact details for these offices are also available on the HSE website.