, 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 question about the assessment of adult children of an applicant for subvention, I wish to point out that a health board may only assess a son or daughter's ability to contribute towards the cost of the nursing homes fees of a parent if the son or daughter is aged 21 years and over, is residing in the jurisdiction and posseses sufficient personal income according to the procedures laid out in the Nursing Home (Subvention) Regulations, 1993.
Of the 6,876 subventions approved to the end of September 1995, health boards had made a reduction as a result of the son or daughter's ability to pay in 1,146 cases or one in six of the subventions approved. I believe that sons and daughters who are in a position to contribute towards the cost of a parent's nursing home fees should do so. The State recognises this contibution in the tax relief it gives on such payments.
