Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the date on which the new terms for nursing home subvention will come into force in 2008; the arrangements she is putting in place to review cases where nursing home subvention has been refused in the past; if past payments in these cases will be given recognition in calculation when the 15% property threshold has been reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17449/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The new nursing home support scheme "A Fair Deal" is due to come into effect on 1 January 2008. The scheme will require new legislation. In the interim, as of 1 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. Persons who are already in receipt of subvention may re-apply to the HSE as they may now be eligible for an increased payment. Persons who have previously been refused a subvention may also re-apply to the HSE as they may now be eligible for a payment.

Furthermore, in reviewing all cases, the HSE will ensure that income is only imputed from the principal private residence for the first three years of a person's stay in a nursing home from the date of admission. This means applicants who may have been refused subvention in the past may benefit from the 15% cap on imputation of income from the principal private residence.