Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 5

Written Answers. - Kilmainham (Dublin) House.

Jim Mitchell

Ceist:

186 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the statement by the Little Sisters of the Poor regarding the proposed closure of St. Patrick's Home, South Circular Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, as a home for the elderly; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that grants for only fifty of the residents are payable, very often a very long time in arrears; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that no free electricity allowance, free television licence or telephone rental, or sum in lieu, is paid to any of the residents even though almost all of them would otherwise have been entitled to them; the steps, if any he is taking to retain St. Patrick's Home as a home for the elderly in view of the fact that demand for homes for the elderly in the area is growing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The Eastern Health Board, has not been notified of any proposal to close St. Patrick's Home, Kilmainham. The Home is privately operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor and the Eastern Health Board pays a capitation grant in respect of a number of residents and this grant is paid as speedily as possible.

I am not in a position to comment on eligibility for electricity, television and telephone allowances as these schemes are administered by my colleague the Minister for Social Welfare.

I accept that there is still a scarcity of long stay nursing places in the Eastern Health Board area despite the provision of additional resources in recent years. I have already indicated my intention to implement the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 this year and this new improved and rationalised system of subvention will provide greater flexibility in meeting the needs of the dependent elderly.