I presume that the Deputy is referring to payments being made to people adversely affected by two aspects of the Nursing Home (Subvention) Regulations, 1993.
The report of the Ombudsman into the nursing home subvention scheme identified a number of issues relating to the operation of the scheme. It is the intention of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, to bring proposals to Government in relation to whatever additional measures may be necessary arising from the Ombudsman's report and the expenditure review of the subvention scheme, together with experience gained from the operation of the scheme since its inception in 1993.
Our immediate priority is to ensure that the two aspects of the regulations that have the most direct impact on nursing home patients and their families are fully addressed without delay. Arrangements have already been made to enable nursing home patients and their families who may be due payments arising from the provisions in the regulations relating to the retention of one fifth of the rate of non-contributory old age pension for personal use to be refunded speedily. I am advised by the six health boards concerned that the amounts repaid are as follows: