Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2007
376 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that approval for ordinary nursing home subvention is being held up due to the fact that her Department has not issued guidelines as to the way to deal with a home owned by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [6655/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December, 2006 my Department formally advised the Health Service Executive of the signing of the Nursing Homes (Subvention) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 642 of 2006). These Regulations increase the basic rate of subvention to a maximum of €300 per week. Additional funding has also been provided for enhanced subvention payments. My Department asked the Executive to circulate guidelines, within the relevant areas, in relation to the payment of basic and enhanced subventions. I understand these issued to all areas on 29 January, 2007. The increase in the basic rate of subvention will apply with effect from 1 January, 2007.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
