56 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of persons who qualified for the nursing home fair deal scheme in 2010; if sufficient funding was allocated for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1558/11]

There were over 12,600 applications for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme in 2010. During the course of the year, over 11,700 people qualified for support under the scheme.

The total budget for long-term residential care in 2010 was €979 million (subhead B12 in Vote 40 refers). I can confirm that the scheme remained within budget for the year.