Vol. 403 No. 1
206 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health the number of beds subvented in the Kolbe Nursing Home, Putland Road, Bray, County Wicklow in the years 1988, 1989 and 1990; if the subvented beds have been reduced; the reason the reduction was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
This nursing home reopened as a nursing home in 1987 having been out of business since 1981 when it closed necessitating the Eastern Health Board to assist in the relocation of patients. Following the closure of the home the approval to operate a nursing home was withdrawn.
In 1987, having given the required statutory notice to the Eastern Health Board the proprietor reopened the premises as a private nursing home. Approval to operate a new nursing home was granted under the Health (Homes for Incapicated Persons) Act, 1964 and the 1985 Regulations made thereunder. Due to financial constraints the board's practice in relation to new nursing homes is to limit the number of subventions payable to four. This practice has applied to the Kolbe Nursing Home since it opened in 1987 and remained unchanged until 1990 when the number was increased to five as it is at present.
