552. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the development of a National Nursing Home Care Policy; the resources that have been allocated to support its preparation; the expected timeline for its publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54580/26]

The Government is committed to ensuring that older people have access to high-quality, person-centred care and supports, including residential care where required. Substantial policy and reform work is ongoing in respect of nursing homes and long-term residential care. The future strategic direction for nursing home and wider older persons' care policy is being informed by the work of the independent Commission on Care for Older People, which was established in 2024 in fulfilment of a commitment in the Programme for Government.

The Commission is examining the effectiveness, adequacy and efficiency of the health and social care services and supports currently provided to older people, including home-based supports, community services and residential care across low-, medium- and high-support settings. Following completion of its work, the Commission will make recommendations to Government to inform the future strategic development of services and supports for older people.

In Budget 2026, €0.735 million was allocated to support the work of the Commission.

It is expected that Module 1, which examines the current provision of health and social care services and supports for older people, will be published in autumn 2026. Module 2, which commenced in January 2026, is developing a framework for the overarching strategic development of health and social care services and supports for older people.

In Module 3 a cross-departmental group will be established under the auspices of the Commission to consider whether the mainstreaming of ageing across Government and civil society is effective in supporting citizens’ healthy, positive, and autonomous ageing; and to develop costed policy options to support this where necessary.

The Programme for Government 2025 contains a commitment to publish, resource and implement a National Action Plan for Older Persons' Care, taking account of the Commission's findings and recommendations. This Action Plan will examine and enhance the mix of professional care options available to older people and support timely access to comprehensive and affordable long-term care services.