James Bannon (Fine Gael)

From the report, it is clear that on a number of occasions, the former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, might have been briefed on the legal doubts about these charges. In December 2000, a political decision was made to introduce automatic medical cards for people over 70. According to the Comptroller and Auditor General, a decision was communicated to the Department of Health and Children by the Department of Finance only a few days before the budget. The legislation to enact this decision was then the responsibility of the Department of Health and Children. Did the Department signal to the Minister the implications of this decision on levying charges on patients in long-stay facilities? In March 2003, an extract from legal advice obtained from the South Eastern Health Board on the legality of these charges was given to the Department. Given the gravity of that advice, was the issue brought to the attention of the Minister? I presume it was, but it was not acted upon.

Action should have been taken on several occasions to save taxpayers money. This seems to have been overlooked for short-term gains by the Government parties of the past eight years.