Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the portion of the €110 million that was allocated to implement the Fair Deal legislation in 2008 that has been spent on the needs of older people; if all of the money is secured for such purposes and for the implementation of the proposed legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22174/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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In January of the year, the provision of 200 additional contract nursing home beds by HSE was approved by the Minister for Health and Children. The cost of the additional beds is to be met from within the HSE's total financial allocation in respect of long-term residential care services for older people, including the additional €110 million provided for the Fair Deal.

The €110 million was provided for the specific purpose of the Fair Deal. Any redirection of the funding would have to be considered within the context of the HSE's overall financial position this year and in 2009, particularly its ability to fund the full year cost of the Fair Deal in 2009, and having regard to other competing service priorities.