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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

1036 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason residents in long-stay institutions were not given part of the pension increase, money which other pensioners received earlier in 2002 with budget changes; if his attention has been drawn to this situation; if these people are not entitled to receive their part increase paid in their comforts money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16000/02]

Increases payable under social welfare provisions announced in the last budget were applied to all pensions, irrespective of where the pensioner was living. Charges for long stay care are covered by two sets of regulations, the Institutional Assistance Regulations, 1965, and the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations, 1976, as amended by the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) (Amendment) Regulations, 1987. Under these regulations, moneys left to meet a person's personal needs are a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. In deciding the amount to be contributed, health boards have regard to the person's individual circumstances. Allowance is made for any financial commitments the person may have and a reasonable amount is left to meet the person's personal needs. Charges may be waived if, in the opinion of the chief executive officer of the relevant health board, payment would cause undue hardship.

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