Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 4 Jul 1990

Vol. 401 No. 1

Written Answers. - Succession Act Provision.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

110 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the £1.148 million held by health boards belonging to people who died leaving no relatives, should be put to productive use, bearing in mind the total inadequacies of our present health services; the action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

In cases where patients die intestate and with no ascertainable next-of-kin the Minister for Finance, under the terms of the Succession Act, 1965 is the ultimate intestate successor.

In the circumstances, health boards have no legal right to use such moneys.