Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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385. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that the views of older persons and their experiences of the NHSS will be included in the ongoing reform of the scheme. [5486/17]

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 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 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. In advance of the Review, submissions were sought from groups or bodies who wished to make a contribution, including groups representative of the needs and views of older persons. 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. An initial report on progress was submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Health in September 2016. Once all of the relevant Review recommendations have been considered, any amendments required to the Scheme will be identified.