Pádraic McCormack
Question:438 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health when the commencement order under the Nursing Homes Act, 1990 will be signed; when the Act will come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Nursing Homes Act.
Theresa Ahearn
Question:457 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health when the legislation which is required to change the system of subventing patients in nursing homes will be initiated; when the legislation will be in place and the new system operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 438 and 457 together.
The Health (Nursing Homes) Act, which provides for a new system for subventing dependent persons in nursing homes, was passed in 1990 but has not yet been implemented.
The Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997 includes a commitment that provision will be made in the 1993 estimates to begin the phased implementation of the Nursing Homes Act.
In the light of this commitment, I propose to commence the Act later this year.