Marie Sherlock
Ceist:784. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if the 500 additional nursing homes places committed to in Budget 2026 will be in the public or private sector. [56733/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 21 October 2025
Ceisteanna (784)
Freagraí scríofa
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost.
Budget 2026 provides for an additional €92 million increase for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) to expand services, meet rising costs and improve quality.
This investment provides for an estimated increase of 500 clients in the NHSS scheme for 2026. There are currently in excess of 24,000 participants in the scheme. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term residential care, whether that is provided by the private/voluntary sector or the public sector, remains accessible and affordable for everyone and that people continue to be cared for in the most appropriate settings.