228 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Southern Health Board will use the same criteria for assessing applicants for nursing home subvention as other health boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6514/02]

The Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations, 1993, are administered by the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority. There are currently three maximum rates of subvention payable –€114.28, €152.39 and €190.46 – in accordance with three levels of dependency – medium, high, maximum – which are eligible for subvention.