Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 7

Written Answers. - Nursing Home Funding.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

213 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that (1) St. John's House of Rest, Nursing Home, 202 Merrion Road, Dublin 4, is facing a financial crisis because its application for financial assistance from the Eastern Health Board has not been successful and (2) in order to comply with the new standards set out in the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1989, the management of St. John's House of Rest will have to embark on substantial expenditure of funds which they do not possess; if he will outline the help, if any, he can give to the nursing home to ensure that the existing 45 beds can be maintained and that the invaluable community service which the nursing home provides can be retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I understand that discussions are taking place between representatives of St. John's House of Rest and of the Eastern Health Board concerning the financial position of the home. The board have invited the management of St. John's to propose priority projects for consideration for special funding by the board.

The management of St. John's should discuss with the Eastern Health Board any difficulties which they anticipate they may have in complying with the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, when it is commenced later this year.

Health boards may be able to assist voluntary nursing homes with the financial costs of complying with the new legislation under section 65 of the Health Act, 1953.