John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Health and Children further to previous parliamentary questions if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite a full review of the application and grant a substantial increase in view of the circumstances of the case. [8143/07]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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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. Under the guidelines, the assessment of means will now be carried out using a national standard financial assessment method.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.