Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 195: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for changes in the capital disregard for receipt of nursing home subvention. [3467/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the nursing home subvention scheme is governed by the Nursing Home Subvention Regulations 1993. Schedule 2 of the regulations state that the first €7,618 of any asset or assets available to a person applying for nursing home subvention shall be disregarded.

It should be noted that the placing of a person in a private nursing home is a private matter between that person, or his or her representative and the nursing home. The subvention scheme was introduced to financially assist those who chose this system of care. The regulations including limits on income and assets were introduced to ensure that available resources were directed to those most in need. In a broader context it may be of interest to you to note that a review of the nursing home subvention scheme is ongoing within my Department. The ultimate aim of the review will be the development of a system which will be transparent, provide equity, be less discretionary, be financially sustainable and ensure a high standard of care is on offer to clients.