I propose to take Questions Nos. 590 to 597, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy is being updated by the HSE at present, and I will forward the up-to-date position to him as soon as it becomes available. At the end of July, some €43m was outstanding from private health insurers to the hospitals in question. The Department has been working with the main health insurers to agree in principle a system of improved cash-flow and accelerated payment which will provide a once-off cash flow benefit in 2012 in the region of €125m for the health system. The details of the accelerated payment arrangements are at an advanced stage and are being finalised with the health insurers at present.
The HSE is continuing a drive to reduce the time taken to submit claims to private health insurance companies. A key element in this drive includes the implementation of an electronic claims management system in its hospitals. This system will address the deficiencies of the paper based process and will also ensure that standardised work practices are implemented across hospitals.