Vol. 524 No. 2
314 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients currently qualifying for subvention payment under clause four of the scheme in each health board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22276/00]
Under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, the health boards provide subventions to assist persons in meeting the costs of nursing home care. It was never intended to meet the full costs involved. There are three rates of subvention payable, £70, £95 and £120, in accordance with three levels of dependency, medium, high and maximum. The amount made available for the scheme this year is approximately £38 million.
When the Deputy refers to clause four of the scheme it is assumed he is referring to the provision whereby health boards may pay more than the maximum rate of subvention relative to an individual's level of dependency, for example, in cases where personal funds are exhausted.
The specific information requested by the Deputy, as forwarded by the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards is as follows:
|
Health Board |
Number in Receipt ofEnhanced Subvention |
|
Eastern Regional Health Authority |
681 |
|
Midland Health Board |
1 |
|
Mid-Western Health Board |
0 |
|
North-Eastern Health Board |
82 |
|
North-Western Health Board |
118 |
|
South-Eastern Health Board |
116 |
|
Southern Health Board |
240 |
|
Western Health Board |
15 |
