Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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610. To ask the Minister for Health if a review of the boarding out model of care has been carried out recently; if so, if it comprised a review of the financial supports available to those providing this service; the findings of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58743/22]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Boarding Out Scheme facilitates older people to remain in their communities where they may otherwise be accommodated in residential care. It can also help to reduce social isolation. While the use of the Boarding Out Scheme by the HSE has traditionally been small I consider there is value in exploring it further.

As I have previously advised the Deputy, I have requested that officials in the Department consider this model of care in the context of our overall commitment to enhancing opportunities for older people to stay in their homes and communities for longer. Unfortunately, due to competing pressures, there has been a delay in commencing this piece of work, however preliminary scoping work of the Scheme is expected to commence shortly which will include consideration of the Regulations and the financial arrangements in place with the providers