Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 3

Written Answers. - Nursing Home Subventions.

Seán Barrett

Question:

236 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Eastern Health Board are nearly five months in arrears in the payment of nursing home subventions and that these delays are causing hardship to the relatives of patients who are being asked to pay the full amount pending the nursing homes receiving payments from the Eastern Health Board.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

I have had this matter raised with the Eastern Health Board which has advised that payment of subventions to private nursing homes are on average six to eight weeks in arrears. It is the board's policy to minimise as far as possible any difficulties for individuals or organisations resulting from cash flow problems. Any cases of particular difficulty should be brought to the attention of the Eastern Health Board.