Nursing Home Charges.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2005

Tuesday, 18 October 2005

Ceisteanna (233)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

308 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of her advice to Dáil Éireann on 11 October 2005, that 15,000 applications for repayment of charges for care in long stay residential homes and institutions have been processed; the approach and methodology these and all other awaiting applicants should employ in order to have their cases considered and processed; the projected timeframe for the presentation of required legislation; when repayments will commence; when it is anticipated that the full assessment and repayment process will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29151/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Government has agreed the key elements of a scheme for the repayment of long stay charges for publicly funded residential care. However, full details of the scheme have yet to be finalised. The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that an outside company with experience in handling mass claims will be engaged by it in November to provide an independent input into the design and administration of the scheme. It is my intention to have legislation brought before the Oireachtas during the next parliamentary session and to commence repayments shortly after the Bill is approved and signed into law.

A national helpline has been set up by the Health Service Executive to allow people to register if they believe they or a family member may be due a repayment. More than 18,000 applications have been registered with the executive to date. This helpline will continue to operate but there is no need for anyone who has already registered using this facility to make contact again to register for the scheme.

Question No. 309 answered with QuestionNo. 162.