Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

The people concerned are themselves seeking refunds of payments taken over a number of years. The money will be placed in their accounts. We must bear in mind that dormant accounts are held by the health boards on behalf of thousands of patients whose estates had a question mark over them in respect of the identity of the rightful claimants. Much of this money will be paid into these estates because many of the patients will not be physically able to spend the money which is being returned to them.

When I was chairman of the Western Health Board, I made the point that there is not enough activity for patients of public nursing homes. A system should be put in place so that those who are active are allowed to have an annual holiday to get away from the institution. The health board has buildings on the west coast in Connemara and Clifden which could be made available for a two week period. It is simple to organise such a trip and one would not need too much money to pay for it. I hope that some of the money which is returned will assist these people in enjoying the remaining years of their lives in care.

There has been a cynical exploitation of this issue by certain lawyers advertising on radio, particularly on Shannonside Radio.