112 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for processing of applications for enhanced subvention in the Health Service Executive south; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13651/09]

113 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applicants for enhanced subvention in the Health Service Executive south area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13652/09]

114 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the budget in respect of enhanced subvention for the Health Service Executive south; the average waiting period from receipt of application to payment of enhanced subvention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13653/09]

115 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount paid in subvention to private nursing homes in the Health Service Executive south area for the years 2007 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13654/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 to 115, inclusive, together.

The expenditure on nursing home subventions for residents in registered nursing homes for the year 2007 was €171m. Of this, €50.6m was paid to private nursing homes in the HSE South. The HSE accounts for 2008 are not yet finalised. However, it is estimated that expenditure on subvention in 2008 will be in the region of €183m nationally. With regard to the other issues raised by the Deputy, these are service matters which have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.