Nursing Home Subventions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2008

Tuesday, 21 October 2008

Questions (164)

Seán Barrett

Question:

253 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the decline in the housing market, and in estimates of imputed rental income from house property, she will enter into negotiations with the Health Service Executive with a view to reviewing the mechanism used in determining rental income levels for nursing home subvention purposes and seeking a downward adjustment thereof, in line with current rental expectations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35403/08]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Máire Hoctor)

The Nursing Home Subvention Scheme is governed by the Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Act 2007. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has also produced National Guidelines for the Standardised Implementation of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme.

The legislation provides for an individual's means to be reviewed. In addition, the Guidelines state that an individual's means should be reviewed at least on an annual basis. This would take account of declines in the housing market as well as reduced levels of rental income. However, the Guidelines further state that reviews of means can be undertaken at any time, when the means of the client warrant a review.

Finally, the legislation also provides for certain decisions of the HSE, including the result of a review of an individual's means, to be appealed.