Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1243. To ask the Minister for Health the progress to date regarding the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27491/17]

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 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.

An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to oversee the implementation of certain 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 (NTPF). These recommendations include:

- The implementation of administrative reforms to the Scheme;

- A review by the NTPF of present pricing arrangements in private residential facilities; and

- A Value For Money and Policy Review of the differences in the comparative cost of public and private long-term residential care.

This work is currently underway. The Value for Money and Policy Review will commence in 2017 and will assess reasons for and components of current cost differentials.

Separately, the 2015 Review recommended further examination of the position of family farms and businesses. Subsequently a commitment was included in the Programme for a Partnership Government to deal with this issue. This examination is ongoing and at an advanced stage.

An initial report on the progress of the NHSS Review recommendations was submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Health in September 2016.

It is important to remember that the NHSS is largely underpinned by primary legislation, and as such any changes to the Scheme will require legislative implementation. I have committed to prioritising and fast tracking this examination of family farms and businesses and bringing forward changes to the legislation to deal with the uncertainty that is being felt by farming and business families in line with the Programme for a Partnership Government.