Vol. 536 No. 5
64 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in regard to the recent Ombudsman report, he will outline the total amount repaid to date in respect of those nursing home residents who had one fifth of their non-contributory old age pension retained. [14804/01]
The report of the Ombudsman into the nursing home subvention scheme identified a number of issues relating to the operation of the scheme. It is the intention of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, to bring proposals to Government in regard to whatever additional measures may be necessary arising from the Ombudsman's report, The Expenditure Review of the Subvention Scheme, together with experience gained from the operation of the scheme since its inception in 1993.
Our immediate priority is to ensure the two aspects of the regulations that have the most direct impact on nursing home patients and their families are fully addressed without delay. Arrangements have been made to enable nursing home patients and their families who may be due payments arising from the provisions in the regulations relating to the retention of one fifth of the rate of non-contributory old age pension for personal use to be refunded speedily.
I am advised by the six health boards concerned that the amounts repaid are as follows:
|
£ |
|
|
Midland Health Board |
148,378 |
|
Mid-Western Health Board |
207,373 |
|
North Western Health Board |
266,358 |
|
South Eastern Health Board |
276,885 |
|
Southern Health Board |
246,839 |
|
Western Health Board |
95,508 |
|
Total paid to date |
1,251,341 |
Where payments are still outstanding, the boards involved have been instructed to make the necessary arrangements to complete these payments as a matter of urgency.
Does the Minister of State accept it is quite startling that the total amount repaid according to him is only approximately £1 million, given that the Ombudsman estimated £4 million was owing to the elderly because the health boards had been acting as pickpockets, illegally taking money from their pensions? Surely he cannot seriously say this is satisfactory, particularly when the Minister for Health and Children stated when the report was published three months ago the matter would be dealt with without delay. When will the outstanding money be paid to old age pensioners? Can the Minister of State assure us the money will not be diverted again? This is the second time an attempt has been made to ensure elderly people are given back the money to which they are entitled. The health boards diverted the money in some cases when the first attempt was made. What does the Government intend to do in regard to the families of old age pensioners in nursing homes who are subventing their care? The Ombudsman has found that should not have been the case. What does the Minister of State intend to do in terms of repaying the money owed to them? Rather than setting up another structure, how soon will this happen and how much is involved?
Supplementary questions should relate to statistical matters only because, as the Deputy is aware, there will be a debate during Private Members' Business this evening and tomorrow evening when these issues can be raised. Questions are allowed simply for the purpose of providing statistical information to help Deputies later in the debate.
I would like a reply.
Twelve questions on this issue were disallowed.
When and how much?
The sum of £4 million was extra money. The total estimated by the health boards at the time was £2.1 million. The other moneys were given to the elderly for other facilities. There were some delays initially but we have gone back to the health boards and asked them to expedite any remaining moneys that need to be repaid as quickly as possible. More than £1.25 million has been returned and there is less than £750,000 to be paid out. The money was never diverted to any other area. It was intended for and given to the elderly.
Not for this.
Yes, it was. A total of £4 million was provided and £2.1 million was the estimated expenditure required. The other money was diverted to other aspects of elderly care. The subvention of the care of elderly people in nursing homes by their families was abolished on 1 January 1999. Adult sons and daughters are not assessed in regard to the subvention of the care of the elderly.
Is the Minister of State aware there are instances where families are still being asked by health boards to provide money, even though the practice has been abolished? Has he received any complaints because Members on this side of the House have?
I have not received any complaints but if the Deputy has concrete evidence, she might let me know.
The Minister of State is receiving a complaint now.
