Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 3

Written Answers. - Nursing Home Subventions.

John McGuinness

Question:

187 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to the Ombudsman's report on nursing home subventions, the South-Eastern Health Board has determined the number of families who were affected by incorrect assessments; if those affected have been contacted and their cases reviewed; if moneys due have been paid in each case; if cases refused at the time of incorrect assessments will also be examined in each case; the actions taken by the South-Eastern Health Board to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17683/01]

The report of the Ombudsman into the nursing home subvention scheme identified a number of issues relating to the operation of that scheme. It is the intention of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, to bring proposals to Government in relation to whatever additional measures may be necessary arising from the Ombudsman's report and 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 that 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 already 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 South-Eastern Health Board that, as a result of the interpretation of article 8.2, a total of 463 cases have been identified and the payments made so far have amounted to £313,000. Of these cases, 319 are in respect of persons now deceased. I understand that the South-Eastern Health Board has written to the next-of-kin of deceased persons and, in this regard, payment has been made or is in the process of being made in 236 of these cases. Reminders have been issued in the remaining 83 cases where a reply has not been received.
The provision which allowed for the assessment of the capacity of the adult sons and-or daughters of older people who applied for nursing home subventions to contribute towards the cost of their parents' nursing home care was deleted from 1 January 1999. As the Deputy is aware, it has been decided that moneys should be paid to those who were adversely affected by this provision. It is anticipated that these payments will cost in the region of £6 million. In relation to the South-Eastern Health Board, I understand that there are 165 cases in the board's area where payments were reduced and 121 cases where subvention was refused because of this provision. The board has advised me that it estimates the cost of making payments on this issue will be £1.847 million.
A group representing the Department, the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority has been established to ensure that this process is carried out on a uniform basis as speedily as possible. As soon as this group has issued its recommendations as to how this issue should be progressed, all boards will be advised accordingly. However, the making of payments will be a complex exercise involving,inter alia, difficult issues of traceability and it may take some time to complete. Nevertheless, I can offer assurance that every effort will be made to make payments as quickly as possible.
Top
Share