Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2025
764. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if the national treatment purchase fund engaged individually or collectively with nursing homes (details supplied) during 2024; the basis on which they calculated the funds that could be paid to the homes through the HSE administered nursing home support scheme and if the NTPF, at any stage in the negotiation process, examined the books of the group or of their individual nursing homes. [33720/25]
View answerThe National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is the body designated, under Section 40 of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009, to negotiate and enter into pricing agreements with HIQA-registered private and voluntary nursing homes, to agree and record the maximum price they can charge residents in receipt of funding under the Scheme.
The NTPF evaluates each nursing home on an individual basis. This would include nursing homes within the Emeis group. The NTPF does not negotiate with Nursing Home groups on a collective basis.
In negotiating prices, the NTPF shall have regard to the following considerations (which are in no particular order of priority):
i. costs reasonably and prudently incurred by the nursing home and evidence of value for money;
ii. price(s) previously charged;
iii. the local market price;
iv. budgetary constraints and the obligation of the State to use available resources in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public.
The NTPF examines and analyses the financial statements of each individual nursing home. Where appropriate the NTPF will examine the group financial statements for information pertaining to the individual nursing homes within the group. For example, the analysis of central overhead costs (which are included in the group financial statements) by individual nursing home within the group.
