Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the delay in putting in place the fair deal scheme is causing financial hardship to those who depend on the subvention and enhanced subvention schemes as increases in 2008 are not covered by subvention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12970/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, and I are anxious for the new nursing home support scheme to come into operation as soon as possible. In the interim, the existing subvention scheme continues to operate. The aim of the subvention scheme is to provide financial assistance to older people towards the cost of maintenance in a private nursing home.

In January 2007 the rate of basic subvention was increased substantially, to €300 per week. This means that many more people should be eligible for subvention than in the past. Also, additional funding was made available for both subvention and enhanced subvention last year. The amount of enhanced subvention paid is at the discretion of the HSE and varies according to the cost of care. Individuals who are in receipt of a subvention may apply for a review if their nursing home increases its fees.