(Limerick East): The subvention scheme which accompanied the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990 was implemented on 1 September, 1993 and ensures that those most in need of care in a nursing home, and without the means to pay for it, receive assistance towards the cost.
With regard to the Deputy's query, I have no plans to revise the means test for subvention for the following reason. A person in receipt of a nursing home subvention is entitled to items which are covered by the subvention, including incontinence wear. Article 16.1 of the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations, 1993, provides that a registered proprietor of a nursing home shall not seek any additional payment from a subvented patient for any service which is considered to be essential to the maintenance of a person in a nursing home and common practice in a nursing homes. Among the services which are considered to be essential to the maintenance of a person in a nursing home are incontinence wear and bedding, laundry service and aids and appliances necessary to assist a dependent person with the activities of daily living.
Earlier this year officials of my Department wrote to the health boards regarding this matter asking them to advise each proprietor of a registered nursing home in their area of the requirements of the nursing homes regulations, informing them that they may not seek additional payments from subvented patients for services such as incontinence wear and aids and appliances.