Vol. 525 No. 2
581 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide information on the average cost of a nursing home bed for which subvention is paid in each of the health board areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24626/00]
Under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, the health boards provide subventions to assist persons in meeting the costs of nursing home care; however, it was never intended that subventions would meet the full costs involved. There are three rates of subvention payable (£70, £95, £120) in accordance with three levels of dependency (medium, high, maximum).
The level of fees charged in a private nursing home is a private arrangement between the nursing home and the individual resident. Information in the format requested by the Deputy is not readily available. It is understood, however that, average fees charged range from approximately £220 per week in rural areas to approximately £400 per week in urban areas.
