Vol. 489 No. 6
465 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy in each health board area to contracting beds for the elderly from the private nursing homes to meet the health board needs; the number of beds contracted in each of the health board areas; the average cost to the boards in each of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9376/98]
The policy in relation to the contracting of beds for older people from private nursing homes varies from board to board, depending on local needs. The precise information sought by the Deputy has been requested from the boards and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
466 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that the criteria for standards in the private nursing home service is being applied in a consistent way across each health board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9377/98]
The standards applicable to private nursing homes are laid down in the Nursing Homes (Care and Welfare) Regulations, 1993.
While I am not aware of any particular problem in relation to the application of these regulations by health boards, if the Deputy has information which he wishes to bring to my attention, I will be happy to have the matter looked into.
