Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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242. To ask the Minister for Health if it is proposed in the review of the fair deal scheme to take into account the costs of private health insurance; and whether, if this was allowed, it would, in fact, more than pay for itself through a cost reduction to the State. [44799/17]

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.

Under the primary legislation an NHSS applicant may apply for certain items of expenditure to be taken into account and netted off against their means prior to the calculation of their contribution. These items are referred to as allowable deductions. Under the law, private health insurance is not classed as an allowable deduction. An applicant can apply for the following to be deducted:

- Health Expenses such a doctors' fees, pharmacy costs and prescription charges;

- Interest on loans related to the applicants principal primary residence;

- Rent Payments; and

- Property Tax.

When the NHSS commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Review has concluded and a 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 International/Agency Working Group has been established to oversee the implementation of certain recommendations contained in the Review. Work in this regard is currently underway.