Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the funds allocated to the nursing home subvention scheme in 2007; the increase in funds allocated for 2008; the scope that exists to deal with cost increases charged by nursing homes in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5771/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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Budget 2007 provided an additional €85m in respect of the nursing home subvention scheme, which included €30m for enhanced subvention. As the Deputy will be aware the subvention scheme is being replaced by an improved system of nursing home support, A Fair Deal. The Bill providing for the Fair Deal scheme is at a very advanced stage and is being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General at present. It is intended to introduce the scheme on a national basis once the necessary legal and administrative arrangements are in place and the existing subvention scheme will be phased out over time. This year, an additional €110m is being provided for the introduction in 2008 of the new scheme and the development of long-term residential care services.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that there is a moratorium on increases under the nursing home subvention scheme and enhanced subvention scheme pending the introduction of the fair deal scheme; if she will consider the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork faced with an increase of €60 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5772/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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There are no plans to change the rate of subvention. As the Deputy will be aware the subvention scheme is being replaced by an improved system of nursing home support, A Fair Deal. The Bill providing for the Fair Deal scheme is at a very advanced stage and is being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General at present. It is intended to introduce the scheme on a national basis once the necessary legal and administrative arrangements are in place and the existing subvention scheme will be phased out over time.

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. The 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.