Vol. 550 No. 4
390 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will confirm that he has approved at least ?100 million extra a year for 2002 and subsequent years to assist with nursing home costs for the elderly. [8800/02]
As the Deputy may be aware, funding for the nursing home subvention scheme has increased significantly in recent years. When the Government came to office in 1997 the funding for the scheme was £27.8 million or €35.30 million. A total of £52 million or €66.03 million was made available for 2001 while in 2002, the funding for the scheme has again been substantially increased, amounting to £72 million or €91 million. In addition to this, approximately €254 million will be available for the capital development of services for older people over the period of the national development plan. Of this allocation, €23.76 million is available in 2002, bringing the total additional funding available for services for older people in 2002 to in excess of €114 million.
This significant additional funding is indicative of the Government's commitment to improving the health services available for older people and it is the intention to commit similar resources to this sector in the coming years in line with the principles outlined in the health strategy, Quality and Fairness – A Health System for You.
