Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I thank the Deputies for raising these questions as it provides me an opportunity to outline to the House the improvements made to the existing nursing home subvention scheme and the position in respect of the new nursing home support scheme, the fair deal.

Government policy regarding older people is to support people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and, where this is not possible, to support access to quality long-term residential care. This policy approach is renewed and developed in the latest partnership agreement, Towards 2016. The nursing home subvention scheme was introduced in 1993 to assist with the cost of private nursing home fees. A subvention may be paid where a person has been assessed as needing nursing home care by the Health Service Executive and where the person has satisfied a means test.

Since 1 January 2007 there are no longer three separate rates for subvention. Persons who apply may receive any amount up to a maximum of €300 per week. The change in the rate means that many people who were not previously eligible for subvention may now qualify for a payment. The payment of subvention is managed by the HSE under the Health Act 2004. In 2007 the HSE finalised and circulated national guidelines to the local health offices, for the standardised implementation of the nursing home subvention scheme. Under the guidelines, the assessment of means will now be carried out using a national standard financial assessment method. In addition to the increased rate of basic subvention, a person may receive enhanced subvention. This is a supplementary subvention, which may be paid by the HSE, to a person in or entering private long-term care. The amount of enhanced subvention paid is at the discretion of the HSE and varies according to the cost of care and the circumstances of the applicant.

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