Vol. 494 No. 6
53 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has to substantially increase subvention rates in view of the fact that nursing home subventions are totally inadequate to meet the current level of charges where the maximum subvention is £120 per week and the average cost of nursing home care is in excess of £300 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18881/98]
The Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, gives powers to the health boards to enforce high standards of accommodation and care in nursing homes. The Act also introduced a new system of nursing home subventions, so that dependent people most in need of nursing care would have access to such care. The scheme is intended to assist persons in meeting the costs of nursing home care, but it is not intended to meet the full costs involved.
I might add that since coming into office, the Government has provided additional resources to health boards to increase the number of nursing home subventions and to provide more assistance to people who are experiencing difficulties in covering their nursing homes fees. The question of increasing the level of subvention will be considered in light of the availability of resources and other priorities in respect of the development of services for older people.
