7A.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), a dependent person may make an application to the Executive for a prescribed subvention.

(2) An application shall be—

(a) in writing in a form approved by the Executive,

(b) completed in accordance with such directions and instructions as are specified in the application, and

(c) accompanied by such documents (including statutory declarations) as are specified in the application.

(3) The Executive may refuse to consider or further consider an application if—

(a) the application does not comply with subsection (2), or,

(b) the applicant fails to provide the Executive with such information in addition to the information provided by or with the application as the Executive may reasonably require to enable it to determine the application under section 7C(1).

(4) Where the Executive refuses under subsection (3) to consider or further consider an application, it shall, as soon as is practicable after the refusal, give the applicant notice in writing of the decision and the reasons for the decision.

F15[(4A) The Executive shall refuse to consider an application made on or after the commencement of section 6 (1)(d) of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009.]

(5) Any person who knowingly gives the Executive information which is false or misleading in a material respect in, with, or in connection with, an application is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or both.