Bernard Allen
Question:609 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that the guidelines sent to health boards in relation to nursing home subventions for the elderly are being adhered to. [1401/01]
Written Answers. - Nursing Home Subventions.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the Nursing Home (Subvention) Regulations, 1993, as amended by the Nursing Home Subvention) (Amendment Regulations, 1993, 1996 and 1998. These regulations set out the general rules which should be applied by health boards in the assessment of means in respect of an application for a nursing home subvention. The purpose of the subvention regulations is to provide a framework for the support of people in need of nursing home care and without the means to pay for it.
An expenditure review of the nursing home subvention scheme is currently being undertaken by my Department in association with the Department of Finance. Included in this review will be an examination of the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the operation of the scheme. The findings of this review, which is expected to be completed shortly, will be examined in my Department for the purposes of determining what action requires to be taken in relation to the future operation of this scheme.