5.— (1) On the coming into operation of this section there is established a scheme to be known as the Nursing Homes Support Scheme to be operated under and in accordance with this Act.

(2) The Scheme is established for the purpose of giving financial support under this Act in respect of care services in accordance with this Act out of the resources allocated to the Scheme in each year in accordance with subsection (4) and shall consist of the provision of financial support in respect of care services for the purposes of and in accordance with the provisions of this Act and any guidelines issued under section 35.

(3) It shall be a function of the Executive to operate and administer the Scheme.

(4) In the financial year 2009 and in each subsequent financial year the Executive shall, out of such monies as are available to it for that financial year from monies provided by the Oireachtas, allocate such amount as the Minister determines, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, for the provision of financial support under this Scheme in that financial year.

(5) The Scheme established by this Act shall be operated subject to the principles that—

(a) applicants who are determined by the Executive to need care services in accordance with section 7(8) shall be informed of the names and addresses of all relevant facilities and approved nursing homes, and

(b) subject to section 12(2) and subject to the availability of a long-term residential care bed, the applicant may select the relevant facility or approved nursing home in which to receive care services.