Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if is there is a situation in place which means that no changes will be made to current subvention and enhanced subvention payments by the Health Service Executive until the fair deal scheme is introduced (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7284/08]

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.