Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has proposals to provide additional support for nursing home subvention in 2008 in view of the inadequacy of the maximum rates of subvention, increasing nursing home charges and the delays in the implementation of the new nursing home support scheme. [22008/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware the subvention scheme is being replaced by an improved system of nursing home support, A Fair Deal. My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, and I are anxious for the support scheme to come into operation as soon as possible.

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. I am aware of the situation regarding nursing home charges and the current rates of subvention and I am actively considering this matter at present.