Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

That is fair enough. There is a case to be made on recompensing people. The Minister of State is an eminent senior counsel. The issue of a statute bar must be examined to see how far we can go back in order to recompense those involved. I take exception to the exploitation of this issue by particular politicians who are doing so for their own political benefit, not for the benefit of the individuals concerned. Like other Members of the House, I am dealing directly with members of the public in this matter and I have assisted people in preparing forms and submitting them to the relevant Department.

A sum of €15.5 million has been sent back to approximately 8,000 medical card holders in long-stay hospitals. I have been in touch with some of those people but nobody has confirmed that they have received the €2,000 payment. Perhaps the money has been paid into their accounts and, if so, I appreciate that.

I require clarification on a few issues.