62 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify suggestions that the principles of the fair deal scheme are to be applied to long-term care in community and home settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1565/11]

One of the measures set out in the National Recovery Plan 2010-2014 is — ‘building on the success of the Fair Deal scheme, the introduction of an approach to community support for older people which takes need and financial means into account on a nationally consistent basis'.

The Department of Health and Children, in consultation with the HSE, is currently preparing proposals to ensure that access to long-term community services is provided on a nationally consistent and equitable basis having regard to each person's care needs and means. The proposals are at a very early stage, therefore, it is not possible to provide any further detail at the present time.