Vol. 574 No. 1
364 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the changes he is making to the assessment process and eligibility for nursing homes subvention under the Health (Nursing Home) Act 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26095/03]
As the Deputy will be aware, Professor O'Shea's report, Review of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme, was launched in June 2003. A complete review of the nursing home subvention scheme is now being undertaken by my Department. The objective of the review is to develop a scheme which will be transparent, offer a high standard of care for clients, provide equity within the system to include standardised dependency and means testing, be less discretionary, provide both a home and nursing home subvention depending on need, be consistent in implementation throughout the country and draw on experience of the operation of the old scheme. My Department will also consult stakeholders as part of the review process. It is expected that the first meeting of the review group will take place within the next four to five weeks.
