I propose to answer Questions Nos. 4, 58 and 136 together.
I agree with the Deputy when the says great hardship is being caused. It is recognised that the present system of subvention in respect of dependent persons in long-stay care in nursing homes is unsatisfactory in many respects. The purpose of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, is to establish a new framework for the regulation of the nursing home sector in Ireland and a new system for the payment of subventions to dependent persons in genuine need of nursing care.
Section 7 of the Act provides for the introduction of an equitable system for the payment of subventions according to standard criteria throughout the country. Under the Act a subvention may be paid by a health board to a person following an assessment of the person's level of dependency and of his-her means and circumstances.
The details of the new method of subvention will be set out in regulations under the Act. The drafting of these regulations is at an advanced stage. The draft regulations will be the subject of discussion with nursing home interests and bodies representing the elderly. When these regulations have been finalised the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, can be commenced. It is my intention to commence the Act later this year.