Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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269. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the TAPS audit on nursing home payments; if the audit has been received by his Department; if so, the date it was received; the results of this audit; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22216/23]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has provided substantial supports to the nursing home sector over the course of the pandemic. Over €149 million has been claimed by nursing homes under the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) since its introduction in 2020. The Outbreak Assistance element of the scheme was extended, with a gradual reduction of the threshold for maximum monthly claim amounts applying to claims from 01 March 2023. The scheme has ceased with effect from 30 April 2023. This approach takes account of the changed situation with regard to COVID-19 in Ireland, and the inherently temporary nature of the scheme. This approach takes account of the changed situation with regard to COVID-19 in Ireland, and the inherently temporary nature of the scheme.

A robust control framework was put in place for the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme, including requirements for validation, review of claims by an external accountancy firm, and provision for all claims to be audited and any misallocated funds clawed back for up to six years following. The thresholds also provided a strong control on costs.

Claims to the scheme were administered by the NTPF (National Treatment Purchase Fund), with the HSE validating and processing payments.

Internal audits of the scheme have been finalised by the NTPF and HSE. The NTPF and the HSE have also undertaken to carry out an audit of payments, which is ongoing. Finalisation of the audit of payments will require ongoing contact with third parties, but both agencies are working to bring this to a conclusion as soon as possible.