Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 215: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the way the interests of adult children of nursing home subvention applicants, who reside in their parents' home and act as their carer are protected under current regulations and the proposals contained in the Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Bill 2006. [43324/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy may be aware, under the current Regulations, when considering an application for subvention, the Health Service Executive carries out a means test which takes into account the means (including assets) of the applicant and his or her spouse/ cohabiting partner, where appropriate.

Under Paragraph 13 of the Second Schedule of the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993, the HSE may impute an income of 5% of the estimated market value of the principal residence of an applicant for subvention, regardless of market value, unless the residence is occupied by a spouse or son or daughter aged less than twenty one years or in full time education or in receipt of certain social welfare pensions/ allowances/benefits, and generally does so unless there are exceptional circumstances. The Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Bill 2006 provides that the same categories of people are protected. The Bill also contains a new provision that gives the HSE discretion not to impute where doing so could lead to the destitution or homelessness of a person closely linked to the applicant. This Bill was prepared on a "no policy change" basis.

A new scheme to support the financing of Long Term Residential Care was launched on 11 December 2006. I understand that the details of the new Scheme are being circulated to all Deputies and I will ask officials in the Department of Health and Children to ensure that the Deputy receives the relevant information as a matter of urgency.