Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 3

Written Answers. - Nursing Home Subventions.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

264 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will increase the nursing home subvention above the maximum of £120 per week in view of the fact that many nursing homes have increased their charges as a result of an increase in payments to nursing staff. [22354/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

Under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, the health boards provide subventions to assist persons in meeting the costs of nursing home care; however, it was never intended that subventions would meet the full costs involved.

There are three rates of subvention payable – £70, £95, £120 – in accordance with three levels of dependency – medium, high, maximum – which are eligible for subvention. It had been hoped to increase the rates of subvention this year but it has not been possible to do so as substantial additional funding in excess of £9 million has had to be provided to meet the rising costs of the scheme. The additional expenditure is due to a number of factors such as the increase in the number of people in receipt of subventions, their higher levels of dependency resulting in more people receiving the higher rates of subventions and the change in the regulations whereby the ability of adult sons and-or daughters over 21 years of age to contribute is no longer taken into account. The amount made available for the scheme this year is £33 million. Any possible increase in the subvention rate next year will depend on budgetary circumstances and competing priorities at the time.