Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 106 together. The subvention scheme which accompanied the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, came into operation on 1 September 1993 and ensures that those most in need of care in a nursing home, and without the means to pay for it receive assistance towards that cost. Since the introduction of the scheme to 31 December 1995 a total of £31.2 million has been expended on subventions and this year, just over £16 million has been allocated to the scheme. It should be noted that since the implementation of the Act, the Western Health Board has received £5.82 million to fund nursing home subventions.
Seven of the health boards are processing applications for nursing home subvention in the usual manner and no delays are occurring in the payment of subvention, except those delays caused by applicants furnishing incorrect or incompleted data to the boards.
I am informed by the Western Health Board that there are currently 550 individuals in receipt of a subvention from the board. At 30 September a further 111 applicants had been approved for subvention and were awaiting payment of same. However, it should be noted that a number of these applicants will not, in fact, avail of payment for various reasons. I would like to assure the Deputies that discussions are ongoing between officials of my Department and representatives of the Western Health Board regarding the funding of the nursing home subvention scheme and I will advise you of the outcome of these discussions as soon as possible.
