asked the Minister for Health if he will consider supplementing the allowance of 12/- per week per patient at present payable for only six weeks per annum to proprietors of private nursing homes in respect of geriatric patients, as it is impossible for the owners of such homes to carry on on the meagre allowance payable at present from local authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Geriatric Patients' Allowance.
9.
The rate of 12/- a day is the contribution payable by health authorities towards the maintenance of persons eligible for health services who choose to enter an approved private nursing home catering for geriatric cases. The contribution is not intended to meet the full charge for services.
Sub-section 6 (a) of section 25 of the Health Act, 1953, as amended, provides that unless the health authority otherwise determine the payment shall be limited to a period of six weeks. Health authorities may, at their discretion, extend the period. The limitation of six weeks relates to each period of maintenance in an approved private nursing home and is not related to a particular period of a year as suggested in the question.
Capitation rates payable by health authorities for services in the homes referred to are reviewed from time to time. The current rate of 12/- a day, payable as from 1st April last, represents an increase of 20 per cent on the rate previously payable. I shall, however, consider the Deputy's representations when capitation rates are again being reviewed.
Did the Minister say 12/- per day or 12/- per week?
It is 12/- per day.