Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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845. To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on continued funding for the fair deal scheme; his views on whether it will be sufficient to meet the increased demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35570/17]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, 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 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. In 2017 the time applicants to the Scheme spend on the placement list for funding should not exceed 4 weeks.

A number of factors may impact on future cost and demand for long-term residential care services, including possible new models of care for older people, demand at any particular point in time, changes in population health status, changes in the cost of care, and of course demographic projections. All relevant factors are considered as part of the budgetary process.