6 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the hardship being caused in private nursing home care because of the delays in implementing the Health (Nursing Home) Act, 1990; and when he will bring forward the necessary regulations to bring this legislation into force fully.

24 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the progress, if any, which has been made to date in implementing the terms of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990; the reason the regulations governing payments by health boards towards the cost of maintenance of dependent persons in nursing homes have not yet been made; when it is expected that they will be made and payments commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

34 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulty being caused to private nursing home owners and their residents by the non-operation of the Nursing Homes Act scheme of subventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

43 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Health when he will introduce regulations to bring the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, into force; and the reason there has been such a long delay in bringing these regulations forward.

124 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health if drafting of the regulations under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, which allow for subvention of nursing homes has been completed; when these regulations will be published and in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 24, 34, 43 and 124 together.

I am aware that the existing system of subvention to nursing homes and their residents is not fully satisfactory. One of the main objectives of the new system of subvention proposed under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990 is to establish an equitable system of subvention for nuring homes and for the dependent persons without the means to pay for nursing home care. The Act provides for regulations to be drafted under four sections.

Two sets of draft regulations, one dealing with standards of care and accommodation in nursing homes and another with the boarding out of elderly people have already been discussed with groups representing the elderly, the health boards and the nursing home sector. A code of practice defining high standards of care in nursing homes has also been drafted by a group representing the elderly, the health boards and the nursing home sector.

The drafting of regulations to regulate the payment of subventions by health boards to persons who require nursing home care and do not have the means to pay the cost of such care is at an advanced stage. These regulations will provide for an assessment of the dependency of persons applying for subvention and a comprehensive means test to decide what amount of subvention, if any, should be paid in each case. The drafting of the subvention regulations which will increase substantially the functions of the health boards in relation to nursing homes, has involved a great deal of discussion and consultation with health boards. I am glad to say that my officials and the health boards have agreed a subvention system which will be practical in its application and meet the needs of the dependent elderly in need of nursing home care.