NHI comment: Extension of TAPS Outbreak Assistance Payment

Thursday December 16, 2021

16^th December 2021: Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO comments: “While extension of the Outbreak Assistance Payment to March 2022 is welcome, a senseless contradiction now presents with the continued cessation of TAPS (Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme) supports for intensified infection prevention control measures in nursing homes. TAPS was a scheme that supported nursing homes recoup costs for itemised intensive infection control measures that were implemented given the threat posed by Covid19. The scheme was withdrawn in June after vaccinations were rolled out and transmission of the virus subsided. However, we’re now faced with Omicron and the warnings regarding the rapidity of its transmission and increased community transmission. The public health emergency is escalating and, with such, there is requirement to sustain step-up protective supports for nursing home residents and staff. Reinstatement of TAPS is an important and necessary measure required as part of our public health response to Omicron. We call upon Government to immediately reinstate the scheme.”

Tadhg Daly is available for further comment. Media interviews will be facilitated by Michael McGlynn, NHI Communications & Research Executive, who can be contacted at 087 9082970.

Note for Editor

TAPS represents the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme, which was implemented to make a contribution towards private and voluntary nursing home costs for intensified infection prevent control measures to prevent and manage Covid19. Every cost was required to be itemised and subject to independent verification. It ceased end of June.