Michael Ring
Question:127 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to increase the subvention rate of nursing homes. [20208/99]
Written Answers. - Nursing Homes Subventions.
Michael Ring
Question:128 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount the Government provides annually for subvention of nursing homes. [20209/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
The payment of subvention is governed by the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990, which came into effect on 1 September 1993. It had been hoped to increase the rates of subvention this year but it has not been possible to do so as substantial additional funding in excess of £9 million has had to be provided to meet the rising costs of the scheme. The additional expenditure is due to a number of factors such as the increase in the number of people in receipt of subventions, their higher levels of dependency, resulting in more people receiving the higher rates of subventions, and the change in regulations whereby the ability of adult sons and-or daughters over 21 years of age to contribute is no longer taken into account. The amount made available for the scheme this year is £33 million. Any possible increase in the subvention rate next year will depend on budgetary circumstances and competing priorities at the time.