asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the legislation governing the operation of private nursing homes is adequate to ensure that substandard homes are detected in time; the provision which exists for the speedy rehousing of patients where homes are found to be grossly substandard; if he will consider the monitoring of prices charged by private homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers - Private Nursing Home Standards.
19.
The operation of nursing homes is governed by the Health (Homes for Incapacitated Persons) Act, 1964, and the 1985 regulations made thereunder. I should point out that it is a matter for each individual health authority to ensure that the standards laid down in the Act and regulations are enforced and met.
Current legislation does not provide for the registration of nursing homes but merely for the notification of the establishment of nursing homes to the relevant health authority. I consider that there is a need for registration for such homes and the introduction of the necessary legislation will be pursued in conjunction with the report of the Working Party on Health and Welfare Services for the Elderly which is expected shortly.
One of the issues which I understand the working party are addressing is the relationship of private nursing homes and health boards in their complementary task of caring for the elderly. I can assure the House that the Government will quickly examine the recommendations in this report and will implement those which they accept in so far as resources allow as a matter of urgency.
I have no function in relation to charges in private institutions. The right of elderly people to make private arrangements for nursing care in their latter years is a matter for each individual.
As legal proceedings are pending in relation to the particular nursing home mentioned I do not wish to comment at this time.
In view of the Minister's statement that he considers there is a need for the registration of these homes, will he not take the opportunity in the few weeks left in this session to introduce an amendment to the current legislation requiring registration? Will he not agree that part of the problem at the moment is a proliferation of these homes which apparently are under no control, can charge what they like and can provide effectively what services they choose?
I am concerned that there should be registration of nursing homes and my intention is to prepare legislation to provide for such registration. My predecessor in office recognised the need to update the regulations and it is now mandatory on nursing homes to notify the health board of their existence and to comply with the terms of the regulations.
In considering the future registration of nursing homes and the regulations governing their operation, does the Minister intend to consider changing the system whereby some of the homes are paid a subsidy by health boards and others since a certain year are not allowed to qualify for the subsidy? This, as the Minister would agree, results in hardship for patients who cannot get into those that are subsidised and have to go into those that are not subsidised, therefore putting themselves and their families under large financial strain.
I will be considering all aspects of care of the elderly in nursing homes, including the points raised by Deputy Molloy. I look forward to receiving the report on the care of the elderly in the very near future and I will be looking at what comments the working party make in regard to the points raised.
Will the Minister give us some indication as to when he will be introducing the amendments to the legislation given that he is expecting the report fairly soon? There is a week or two left in this session. Does he believe it will be possible to have the legislation in before the recess or will he be introducing it immediately the Dáil returns?
I hope to introduce it in the next session.