Nursing Home Subventions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2009

Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Questions (249)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

302 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if nursing home subventions for individuals have been affected by cutbacks; the position when the Health Service Executive informs an applicant that they qualify for subvention but it cannot be paid due to funding shortfalls; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this position has arisen; if she has addressed or will address the matter with the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4497/09]

Written answers

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

There was no reduction in the level of funding available to the Health Service Executive for nursing home subvention between 2008 and 2009. However, the provision of support by HSE towards the cost of maintenance in a private nursing home is subject to resources. In this regard, the availability of enhanced subvention is limited by the amount of the resource allocated forthis scheme and applicants may need to join a waiting list for enhanced subvention contributions.