Michael Creed
Ceist:187 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to carry out a review of the rates of subvention available under the Nursing Homes Act for patients in private nursing homes. [13866/97]
Written Answers. - Nursing Home Subvention.
Austin Deasy
Ceist:188 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to increase nursing home subvention for persons entering private registered nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13932/97]
Michael Noonan
Ceist:200 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce a Supplementary Estimate to enable him to increase the private nursing home subvention in accordance with the commitment to do so in An Action Programme for the Millennium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13974/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187, 188 and 200 together.
The Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, which came into effect on 1 September 1993 introduced a new system of nursing home subventions so that dependent persons most in need of nursing home care would have access to such care. The scheme is not intended to meet the full cost of nursing home care for those who qualify for subvention. The total annual cost of the subvention scheme currently stands at just over £17 million. I am aware there are certain difficulties being encountered by some providers and persons seeking nursing home care.An Action Programme for the Millennium contains a commitment to increase subvention rates for private nursing home care. I am having the position examined by my Department with a view to fulfilling the commitment in the Government's tenure of office.