Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider accessing the national pensions reserve fund on a once-off basis to fund the cost of reimbursement of the nursing home charges on foot of the Supreme Court's decision of 16 February 2005 that such charges were unlawful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5929/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The national pensions reserve fund was established for the purpose of meeting as much as possible of the cost to the Exchequer of social welfare pensions and public service pensions to be paid from the year 2025 until the year 2055, or such other subsequent years as may be specified, as set out in section 18(1) of the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000. Section 20(1) of the Act states that "the Commission shall not make any payment from the fund to the Exchequer before the year 2025".

The reimbursement of nursing home charges is primarily a matter for the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children who, I understand, is considering the judgment of the Supreme Court and will bring proposals to Government very shortly. As the Tánaiste indicated in the House last week, the cost of reimbursement will be met from the Vote for the Health Service Executive. A Supplementary Estimate to cover the costs will be moved in due course.