Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 318: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the procedure for bringing all residents of nursing homes who are in receipt of nursing home subvention to the new rate of €300 p.a.; and if she will confirm that all who presently have a nursing home payment will receive this rate. [7318/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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From 1st 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 payment of subvention is subject to means-testing. In addition, the HSE may pay an enhanced subvention to people who cannot afford to meet the cost of care. An extra €30 million has been provided in 2007 for this purpose.

The HSE has recently finalised National Guidelines for the Standardised Implementation of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme. These were circulated to all Local Health Office subvention officers at the end of January, and are available on the HSE's website. Under the guidelines, the assessment of means will now be carried out using a national standard financial assessment method. The Guidelines also detail a number of improvements to the subvention scheme and in light of these improvements the HSE will re-assess those in receipt of a nursing home subvention.

The HSE will write to all those currently in receipt of a nursing home subvention. Residents in private nursing homes, who are not presently in receipt of a subvention, may also apply to the HSE for an assessment. It is estimated that as many as 1,800 people who did not previously qualify for a subvention may now be eligible for a payment.