The Department of Health and Children released the following statement:

Minister for Older People and Health Promotion Áine Brady today announced that applications for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, ‘A Fair Deal’, have exceeded 7,000.

“I am delighted that so many people have applied for the scheme. However, I am aware that there are many other people who could benefit from applying for the scheme and I would encourage them to do so as soon as possible.”

“The cost of nursing home care has been a financial burden for older people and their families for too long. The Fair Deal ensures that this burden is alleviated and that the cost of nursing home care is no longer a source of anxiety”.

Under the scheme, individuals make a contribution to the cost of their nursing home care based on their means. The HSE meets the full balance of cost over  and  above  the individual’s contribution in public, private or voluntary nursing homes approved for the purpose of the scheme.

An important feature of the scheme is that applicants who were in long-term nursing home care on the date the scheme commenced (27th October 2009) shall have their State support backdated to that date. New entrants after the 27th October will have their State support paid from the date of application or the date of entry to the nursing home, whichever is the later.

here