Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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1089. To ask the Minister for Health the length of time to process fair deal nursing home support scheme applications once all paperwork is in order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26820/17]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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1090. To ask the Minister for Health if there is a hardship fund available for persons that apply for the fair deal nursing home support scheme while the application is being processed and may have to avail of the services of a nursing home while a decision is being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26821/17]

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.

The Scheme covers the cost of the standard components of long-term residential care which are:

- Nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person;

- Bed and board;

- Basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of everyday living;

- Laundry service

The Scheme has a budget of €940 million in 2017, providing support to just over 23,600 people by the end of the year. In order to manage the available funds within the budget throughout the year, a national placement list is operated by the HSE. Funding approvals issue to applicants in chronological order. There is no hardship fund available for applicants whose NHSS application is being processed, however in 2017 the time applicants to the Scheme spend on the placement list for funding should not exceed 4 weeks.