Nursing Home Subventions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2005

Tuesday, 15 February 2005

Ceisteanna (147)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

196 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive is empowered to contribute to the funding of private nursing home care in circumstances in which the income of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is insufficient to meet the full cost of private nursing home care but exceeds the prescribed limited for nursing home subvention; if this person, being unable to fully provide for their own health needs, may access entitlement to financial support equivalent to the cost of the public long-term residential care to which they are entitled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4627/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage, deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of nursing home subvention in County Kerry. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's southern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.