James Bannon (Fine Gael)

The strategy promised new legislation to provide for clear statutory provisions on entitlements. The promised legislation was supposed to provide a clear framework for the financing of long-stay care for older people. In preparing that health strategy, was the issue raised of the legality of charges for long-stay patients? The 2002 annual report of the Ombudsman stated clearly that a patient with a medical card was not liable for charges because he had full eligibility. The implication of this decision on the legality of charges was significant.