Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 55: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Government plans to retain a contribution towards the cost of nursing homes from the pensions of patients admitted to public nursing homes; and the level of contributions which is being considered. [12559/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Amendment Act 2005 provides a legal framework for the charging of public patients for the maintenance element of inpatient services in publicly funded long-term care in residential units. Charges will be introduced by regulations which the Department is currently working on to put in place as soon as possible.

The weekly charge is limited to an amount which does not exceed 80% of the maximum of the weekly rate of the old age non-contributory pension. There is also a provision in the Act to allow the Health Service Executive to reduce or waive the charge imposed depending on a person's financial circumstances.