Cabinet to discuss nursing home fees next week

The Minister for Health Mary Harney has said the controversy over nursing home fees will be discussed at next Tuesday’s meeting of the Cabinet.

Health Boards have been instructed not to take any further fees from nursing home residents due to a legal error.

The State is expected to pay €10m in fees to nursing homes until the new law is introduced.

The Tanaiste has said a decision on compensation has not yet been agreed but ultimately, nursing home residents will still have to pay.

“The State makes enormous contributions to those who are less well off in our society but equally many people would argue that it is reasonable that the individuals in question would make a small contribution," she said.

“We are going to provide legalisation to put that in a safe legal basis for the future and the government will discuss the issue of what to do with relation to paying back moneys that have already been taken.”