Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if, in connection with fair deal scheme for assisting families with older people in long-term residential care and to which €110 million was voted specifically in Budget 2007 she will ensure this money is ring-fenced for this purpose; and the mechanisms in place for its dispersal to this designated group in order that her commitment is honoured. [28764/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, and I are conscious of the effect that the unavoidable and unforeseen delays in implementing the Fair Deal are causing to some older people and their families. To date, €13 million has been allocated from the additional moneys provided in Budget 2008 for the provision of 200 contract beds. Approval has also been given to HSE to utilise a further €12 million in meeting costs associated with nursing home subventions and existing contract beds. This brings to €25 million the total funding redirected from Fair Deal and committed to nursing home supports in 2008. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the Government already allocated additional funding of €105 million for Nursing Home Subvention in 2006 and 2007. Finally, I wish to advise the Deputy that any further decisions regarding the redeployment of Fair Deal funding will have to be taken within the overall context of the financial situation of the HSE.