Trevor Sargent
Question:74 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the action, if any, he will take arising from the warning of the Irish Nursing Homes Organisation that capital allowances in the 1997 budget should be ring-fenced. [4891/00]
Written Answers. - Tax Allowances.
I am aware of the Irish Nursing Homes Organisation's call for capital allowances for nursing homes to be ring-fenced to profits generated within the sector by those actively engaged in the industry on the basis that quality of care may not be met by passive investors. Issues relating to the quality of care rests in the first instance with the health boards and ultimately with the Department of Health and Children. For my part I am satisfied that the capital allowances provisions which I introduced in budget 1998 for the investment in nursing homes are an appropriate measure specifically designed to increase the supply of nursing home places. The nursing homes in question must be registered with a health board in accordance with the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990. However, if the Deputy or the Irish Nursing Homes Organisation are aware of any case where these standards are not being complied with then either the relevant health board or the Department of Health and Children should be contacted.