Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)

Subventions are an extremely important issue. The eligibility criteria for a subvention was extended in the last budget but it is not the same thing as increasing the rates for subventions. We will continue to press this point until the rules are changed. Between €130 and €190 per week is the maximum subvention to which anyone is entitled. It is not possible to secure a nursing home place costing €190 per week. The cheapest nursing homes probably cost approximately €800 per week in rural areas and up to €1,200 per week in urban areas. This contrasts dramatically with charges levied in 2000. The Minister must acknowledge this and increase the rates. She should stop dillydallying around the value of a house in Dublin or a rural area or stating that eligibility has been increased. She should simply increase these rates to a level that is acceptable for the people involved.

In 2001, the then Minister for Health and Children, gave medical cards to everyone over 70. In 2006, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children announced that €110 million would go towards care of the elderly. However, nothing has been accomplished in respect of care of the elderly between 2001 and 2006.

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