Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the cost of nursing care in St. Joseph's centre, St. John of God's Nursing Home, Crinken Lane, Shankill, which provides specific care for people with Alzheimer's, has increased by nearly 30% within the past year; if he accepts that this increase is putting nursing home care out of the reach of individuals and families alike; and the additional support available for people in this situation. [12425/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, St. Joseph's is a private facility offering nursing care to individuals, many of whom suffer from terminal dementia. As the placement of an individual in a private nursing home is a private matter between the patient or his or her representative and the nursing home, my Department has no say in the fees charged by the home.

As the Deputy is aware, the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of long-term care services in the Shankill area. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's east coast area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.