Vol. 475 No. 1
148 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the funding of dependent elderly in private nursing homes; if the ceiling for subventions was increased in 1996 and 1997; and the plans, if any, he has to provide additional funds in this regard. [4443/97]
Limerick East): The Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990 which came into effect on 1 September 1993 has two principal objectives. Firstly, to ensure high standards of accommodation and care in all registered nursing homes registered by health boards under the Act, and secondly to provide a new system of nursing home subvention so that dependent persons most in need of nursing home care would have access to such care. At 31 December 1996 there were 359 registered nursing homes, while a total of 10,106 individuals had been approved for a nursing home subvention. The total annual cost of the subvention scheme currently stands at just under £17 million.
With regard to the current levels of subvention payable, the rates have not been increased since the Act was implemented in 1993. However, it must be stressed that a nursing home subvention is not intended to meet the full cost of nursing home care for those who cannot do so from their own resources. I am aware that there are certain difficulties being encountered by some providers and persons seeking nursing home care. I will continue to endeavour to address these problems, and the issue of increasing the subvention rates, within the resources available to me.
