Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 3

Written Answers. - Nursing Home Subventions.

Jim Higgins

Ceist:

268 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Health and Children the total amount made available to the Western Health Board where nursing home subvention regulations were applied incorrectly to meet the costs of arrears payments; the amount which has been paid to the health board to date in retrospective payments for residents currently residing in nursing homes; if payments have been made on behalf of former recipients now deceased; the number in total who have received refunds; the numbers who are still entitled to payment; the amounts involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6044/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I presume the Deputy is referring to the funding of £4 million allocated to six of the eight health boards where the regulation allowing for the retention of one fifth of the old age non-contributory pension for personal use was applied incorrectly. Out of this £4 million, the Western Health Board received £750,000.

I am advised by the Western Health Board that to date, £95,508 has been paid to 101 people. I understand that a further £381,469 remains to be paid in respect of 4,385 subvention recipients. The board has assured me that immediate arrangements are being made to issue payments to discharged patients and to the next-of-kin or estates of deceased residents.