Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 145: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the refund of nursing home charges to patients or their estates; the situation for elderly persons who held or hold medical cards, but who occupy private beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9565/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department is currently studying the Supreme Court judgment on the repayment of charges for publicly-funded long-term residential care in detail and will take on board all the consequences for policy and law arising from the judgment. A special Cabinet sub-committee, comprising the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance, the Attorney General and myself, has been established to consider the issue of repayment in light of the judgment. Full details of a repayment scheme will be announced as soon as possible and it is the intention to make repayments as automatic as possible. Any person who considers that he or she or a family member may be eligible for repayment may register their interest in advance with the Health Service Executive, by writing to the national refund scheme, HSE midland area, Arden Road, Tullamore, County Offaly, or by e-mail to refundscheme@mailq.hse.ie, or by calling the helpline 1800 777737 during office hours. The Supreme Court judgment of 16 February 2005 related only to charges in public long-stay institutions and publicly contracted beds in private nursing homes.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 146: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the estate of a person (details supplied) will receive a refund following the imposition of nursing home charges during the person's lifetime. [9566/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Supreme Court judgment of 16 February 2005 related only to charges in public long-stay institutions and publicly contracted beds in private nursing homes. A special Cabinet sub-committee comprising the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance, the Attorney General and the Minister for Health and Children has been established to consider the issue of repayment in the light of the judgment.