Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 9, but before section 8, to insert the following new section:

"8.—Without prejudice to the generality of section 7,

(a) a determination as to a person's eligibility for a repayment of recoverable health charges shall be made as soon as is reasonably possible and in each case no later than—

(i) 28 days after an application has been lodged, or

(ii) the commencement of this Act, whichever is the later, and

(b) once a determination has been made as to a person's eligibility for a repayment of recoverable health charges, such a payment shall be made as soon as is reasonably possible and in each case no later than 28 days after such a determination has been made.".

This amendment seeks to create a new section which refers to the determination and repayment time limits. This Government does not strike me as being obsessed with deadlines and achieving targets. It has taken a year and a half to reach this stage. We are very quick to tell people when to pay their taxes, or pay back social welfare or agricultural overpayments, yet the State takes no responsibility to pay out on time. If someone owes money he or she should repay it. In this case the State finally and reluctantly admitted it owed money but no one has any idea when it will be paid back, even after determination has been made.

It is not unreasonable to allow for a payment to be made 28 days after a determination has been made. Not alone have the people in question waited a year and a half for this legislation but in some cases they could have been waiting since 1998. There should be a sense of urgency about this but I do not get that impression from the Minister of State or the Bill. I hope he will accept this amendment.