Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 6

Written Answers. - Nursing Home Subventions.

Michael Finucane

Question:

281 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health and Children the total amount made available to the Mid-Western Health Board where regulations (details supplied) had been applied incorrectly to meet the costs of arrears payments; the amount which has been paid by the health board to date in retrospective payments for residents currently residing in nursing homes; if payments have been made on behalf of former recipients now deceased; the number in total who have received refunds; the number who are still entitled to payment; the amounts involved for a refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4970/01]

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

I presume the Deputy is referring to the additional funding made available for the payment of arrears due in respect of the implementation of article 8.2 of the nursing home subvention regulations which allows for the retention of one fifth of the rate of non-contributory old age pension for personal use.

A once off sum of £950,000 was included in the board's letter of determination for 1998, to meet,inter alia, the cost of arrears payment. I am advised by the Mid-Western Health Board that, to date, £142,000 has been paid in respect of arrears to 154 subvention recipients. Payments have not as yet been made on behalf of former recipients now deceased. However, I understand that staff will be dedicated to this purpose with effect from Monday, 26 February 2001.

The board estimates that a further 170 cases are still entitled to payment and the amount involved for refund to be in the region of £163,000.