Green TD Deputy Steven Matthews has welcomed the €10 million fund announced by Government to support nursing homes with their energy bills this winter. Under the new Temporary Inflation Payment Scheme, individual nursing homes, both public and private, will be eligible to apply for up to €31,500 in vouched energy price increases.
Speaking after the announcement of the funding, Deputy Matthews said:
“The ongoing high cost of energy is putting huge pressure on public services in Ireland. In recent months, I have been contacted by nursing home operators across Wicklow who have relayed to me their concerns over the soaring costs of energy bills. The announcement of this vital fund will provide much needed relief to nursing homes which house some of the most vulnerable in our community.
“Having visited a number of nursing homes in Wicklow, I have seen first-hand the incredible work that the staff do in caring for the residents of these facilities. I strongly support any measures which support them in their work. This scheme, which expands the almost €145 million in support already provided by government through the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme, is the next step in our commitment to support the vital work that this sector provides.
“The funding announced this week entitles all public or private nursing homes under the Fair Deal scheme to be compensated up to €31,500 for all increases in energy costs compared to the same period of 2021. Compensation can be backdated from July to December of this year. This scheme will run in conjunction with the ongoing Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme, which was provided to help nursing homes through the Coronavirus Pandemic and has now been extended to the end of the year. Applications for funding will be available from November 11th. If any nursing home management has questions regarding this scheme, or would like assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly”, Deputy Matthews concluded.
Commenti