Nursing Home Charges.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2005

Tuesday, 1 March 2005

Questions (96)

Finian McGrath

Question:

153 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the role of the then Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Callely, at the meeting on December 2003 with the Secretary General of the Department on the nursing home issue; if the Minister of State was briefed on the legal and financial implications, which may cost the State between €500 million and €2 billion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6604/05]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

At the time of the meeting mentioned by the Deputy, the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with responsibility for services for older people was Deputy Ivor Callely and the Health and Children (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) (No. 2) Order 2002 conferred upon him powers and duties under sections 6, 7 and 10 of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990. As the Deputy will be aware, the Tánaiste has appointed Mr. John Travers to carry out an investigation into the nursing home issue, and he is due to finalise his report shortly.