Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
266 Mr. Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the arrangements her Department has made in respect of refunding those who are referred to private nursing homes, though not in a contract bed situation, by health services personnel due to the shortage of beds in public nursing homes. [1606/05]
View answerThe Department of Health and Children is unaware of the practice to which the Deputy refers. However, because of a shortage of public long-stay beds in some areas of the country, I understand that health service providers have, under section 22(3) of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 entered into arrangements with private nursing homes to provide services.
267 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is correct for a health board or nursing home to deduct money from a patient’s pension as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if so, the action she is taking to stop such action and to reimburse the person concerned. [1607/05]
View answerThe Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Responsibility for the provision of health services in the Dublin 1 area rests with the executive. My Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
