Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

They were certainly not charged going forward. I am not in a position to state whether they were refunded.

On Deputy Healy's question, legal advice was obtained on the nursing home subvention. Where people are in public beds or in beds contracted by a public authority in a private nursing home the State is exposed. However, issues arise regarding the nursing home subvention. In this regard, one should bear in mind the answer I gave on the audit being conducted by Mr. Smith and the work he is doing with the Attorney General on the other regulations. We are seeking the advice of the Attorney General and doing a considerable amount of work regarding other regulations to determine whether they are legally safe.

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