Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 690: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the new arrangements announced under the package of care for the elderly on 11 December 2006 will come into force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1283/07]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the new Nursing Home Support Scheme "A Fair Deal" which comes into effect from January 1st 2008. The new scheme will ensure that care is affordable for all and that there is the same level of support for public and private nursing home residents. It means that older people will not have to sell or re-mortgage their home during their lifetime in order to meet the costs, and that they can plan ahead, secure in the knowledge that an equitable, affordable system is there for them should they need it.

In the interim, the Minister announced an initiative to make the existing subvention scheme fairer. The standard subvention has been increased to a maximum of €300 a week. In addition, the HSE may pay an enhanced subvention to people who cannot afford to meet the cost of care. An extra €30 million has been provided in 2007 for this purpose.