Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)

It is not quite good enough to state there is no change in the practice. The practice in regard to subvention and the need for it are critical. There is a major problem at present. The Minister and the Minister of State promised further detailed legislation to deal with this issue but we have not seen it. Perhaps the Minister of State will give a solemn commitment in respect of that Bill today.

The explanatory memorandum states the purpose of the subvention scheme is to provide financial assistance to persons towards the cost of maintenance in a private nursing home while the Bill defines subvention as a payment towards the cost of the care and maintenance of a dependent person in a nursing home. That differs from the 1998 regulations which simply state that the payment of subvention is towards the cost of nursing home care. The main problem is the financial assessment. This amendment seeks to change it but the Minister of State is not prepared to accept it.

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