Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 8

Written Answers. - Subvention to Nursing Homes.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

124 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health the reasons none of the private nursing homes in County Cavan is subvented by his Department; if it is possible to subvent at least one of these nursing homes having due regard to the cost of keeping elderly patients and the unavailability of beds in the health board nursing homes in the county.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

In general, health boards only pay subventions towards the cost of patients in private nursing homes if there are insufficient beds available in their own homes in the county.

The provision of an adequate number of geriatric beds in County Cavan is a matter for the North Eastern Health Board. They are satisfied that there is an adequate number of such beds in the board's own homes and hospitals.

The Health Act, 1970 provides for the payment of subventions in respect of patients who are placed in private nursing homes which have been approved under section 54 of the Act. No new nursing homes have been approved under this section since 1980 but I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990 which updates the law on nursing homes. Section 7 of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990 provides for the payment of health boards of subvention towards the cost of maintenance of elderly people in private nursing homes. The amount of this subvention will depend on the level of dependency or impairment of the person involved and on a means test. At present, regulations are being drafted to give effect to the provisions of the act, and it is my intention to commence the Act as soon as possible. All private nursing homes will be entitled to apply for registration.