Michael Ring
Question:731 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if there have been changes in relation to subvention for the nursing homes; if so, the nature of those changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2003/03]
Written Answers. - Nursing Home Subventions.
As the Deputy may be aware, in line with a Government decision, an expenditure review of the nursing home subvention scheme was undertaken by my Department in association with the Department of Finance. It is envisaged that the report of the expenditure review will be launched in the near future.
Arising from the issues raised in the expenditure review, the Ombudsman's report and experience gained to date from the working of the scheme a review of the Nursing Home (Subvention) Regulations has commenced in my Department. The review is at a preliminary stage and written submissions have been invited from interested parties. In addition informal consultations with some interested parties have taken place. It is the intention to engage in a formal consultation process involving all the key stakeholders before proposals for amending the scheme can be developed. In the meantime, no changes have been made to the existing scheme.
Question No. 732 answered with Question No. 698.