asked the Minister for Health when a nursing home (details supplied) in Clonmel, County Tipperary, will be granted subventions under section 54 of the Health Act, 1970.
Written Answers. - County Tipperary Nursing Homes.
448.
This nursing home was approved under section 54 of the Health Act, 1970 from 1 December 1978. Subventions at the approved rate have been payable since then for not more than 17 persons at any one time in need of regular nursing care. An application for the approval under section 54 of 33 extra beds in this nursing home was considered in consultation with the South-Eastern Health Board who are responsible for the health services in the area. However, it was not possible to approve of this application in view of the fact that it appears that health board accommodation together with existing approved accommodation in private nursing homes in the area is adequate for needs.
449.
asked the Minister for Health when a nursing home in Tipperary (details supplied) will be granted further subventions under section 54 of the Health Act, 1970.
I understand from the health board, who are responsible for the health services in the area in which this nursing home is located, that they consider that the 12 beds in this home approved for subvention purposes under section 54 of the Health Act, 1970, together with other long stay accommodation in the area, are sufficient for existing needs. In fact, the health board indicated that there is now no waiting list for one of their large long-stay institutions in the area. I would therefore not be justified in approving further beds in this nursing home for subvention purposes.
In any event, no extra private nursing home accommodation is being approved under section 54 at present owing to the existing financial constraints.