Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 4

Written Answers. - Nursing Home Subventions.

Ivan Yates

Question:

145 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children if nursing home subventions are payable from the date of application, the date of admission of a patient or the date when a final decision is made after medical and financial assessment; if he has satisfied himself that all health boards, including the South Eastern Health Board, are applying standards consistently; if he will ensure that this is payable in approved cases from the earliest possible date; and if he will clarify the position with regard to a case (details supplied) in County Wexford. [29002/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

Nursing home subventions are paid subject to the Nursing Homes Regulations, 1993. Article 13.1 of these regulations provides that when a health board has determined that a person qualifies for the payment of subvention and has not offered the person alternative accommodation, the health board shall pay a subvention towards the cost of maintaining that person in a nursing home from the date the person qualifies for a subvention or if the person was resident in the nursing home on the day the Act was commenced, from the date the person applied for a subvention.

In the case referred to by the Deputy, I am advised that the South Eastern Health Board has reviewed the matter. I am informed that the person concerned was assessed for nursing home subvention purposes after admission to the nursing home. The board has decided to pay the subvention in this case from the date of admission.

I should point out that the nursing home subvention scheme is currently under review and the issue raised by the Deputy regarding the date from which subvention should be payable will be examined in this context.