Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

The scheme will be administered somewhat differently from what the Senators indicate. Not alone will the people receive the moneys illegally taken from them but they will also receive interest. Applications for repayment will be processed and the person will receive notification of the amount to be repaid. On receipt of that letter the person has 28 days within which to decide to accept or appeal that decision. If a person feels that he or she is owed more money he or she can appeal the initial decision, otherwise, the cheque is issued immediately on receipt of acceptance.

We have provided €400 million this year for repayments and if more money is required we will get it this year. We have no desire to withhold the money any longer. Once a decision is made, we hope the money will be paid out as quickly as possible. Apart from the moral issue, the longer we delay payments the more they will cost because interest is also due. Those people who are still alive will receive priority and we hope to process their claims as quickly as possible. I cannot accept the claim the Senator is putting forward.