Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Has the Tánaiste, as Minister for Health and Children, examined the consequences of a European Court of Justice ruling on the liability of states regarding patients who must travel abroad for treatments? Will this ruling require her to introduce legislation?

SI 171 of 2000 dealt with the dissolution and revocation order of the National Rehabilitation Board and SI 170 of 2000 dealt with the transfer of property rights and liabilities order of the National Rehabilitation Board. On 12 June 2000 the board employed 184 members of staff, the majority of whom have not received their pensions for the past six years. Elements of those pensions are outstanding, including abolition of office, added entitlements and the retention of unco-ordinated status. After six years of legal contest in the courts, one of those employees has been awarded his full entitlements under the appropriate pension requirements. Having been approved for that person yesterday, those legal entitlements were also due to the 184 members who were employed by the National Rehabilitation Board on 12 June 2000. I know she may not have an answer now, but will the Tánaiste follow up on this matter to see that the legal entitlements of those former employees will be reflected in their pensions, so that the people concerned will not have to seek decisions in the courts?

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