549. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will consider introducing targeted financial supports for private and voluntary nursing homes to assist with increased energy and fuel costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54577/26]

The sustainability of the Nursing Home sector in Ireland is a priority for this government, and unprecedented levels of funding, investment and support has been provided over the last number of years to stabilise the sector.

Budget 2026 has seen an investment of over €1.3 billion in the Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS). An additional €92.2 million was allocated to support nursing homes in Budget 2026 including a new €10 million fund to support private and voluntary nursing homes for structural/other improvement works carried out to enhance the resident environment.

Successive increases in NHSS funding have seen the Scheme's budget grow from €968 million in 2019 to over €1.3 billion in 2026. Together with resident contributions of approximately €400 million each year, this represents total funding of more than €1.7 billion to support nursing home care in 2026.

Department officials continue to monitor the sustainability of the nursing home sector, taking account of prevailing conditions across the sector.