Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 3

Written Answers. - Nursing Home Subventions.

Denis Naughten

Question:

279 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when the review currently being carried out on behalf of his Department in relation to the nursing home subvention will be completed; the plans he has to increase this subvention in view of the increasing cost of nursing home fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26751/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

An expenditure review of the nursing home subvention scheme is being undertaken by my Department in association with the Department of Finance. This is one of a series of reviews which are being undertaken by various Departments in line with a Government decision. The review of the nursing home subvention scheme is expected to be completed shortly.

The total amount of funding allocated to the nursing home subvention scheme has been significantly increased by this Government and reached £38.5 million in 2000. Over £5 million in additional funding was allocated in 2000 to provide for an 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 the regulations whereby health boards no longer take account of the ability of adult sons and/or daughters to contribute towards the cost of their parents' care. A further £4 million is included in the Estimates for 2001 to meet increasing demands on the scheme. The question of increasing rates of subvention will be kept under review in light of the availability of funding, other competing priorities and the results of the expenditure review.