Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

On Deputy Ryan's point, it will be the responsibility of the company to dig out the records. However, as the Senator is aware, under the legislation introduced in December 2004, we included an ex gratia payment of up to €2,000. In that respect, slightly fewer than 11,000 people received that payment, the cost of which amounted to €21 million. We have the number of the records available in that context. It will be the responsibility of the company to access the records and scan them for the purpose of repayments.

On Senator Browne's point, the Supreme Court decision was quite specific on the people who are entitled to repayments. On foot of that decision this legislation was introduced. We are clear on who will be entitled to receive the repayments.

On Senator Leyden's point, we will give priority to the people who are living in that we will ensure their claims will be processed first. As to whether some of them will be in a position to enjoy spending the money, I am sure some of them will and some of them will not. We will pay out the money as quickly as possible. The Bill provides for a special facility in terms of people do not wish to claim the money. They can put it into a fund which can be used for the purposes which the Deputy mentioned.