John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 166: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if refunds under the new scheme due to patients in psychiatric care have already been made; if statements regarding the repayment have been issued to the persons concerned or to family members; if statements regarding the private property accounts of patients are given to the patients on a monthly or weekly basis; if these statements are explained to the patients or to family members; if a proper transparent system will be put in place throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12780/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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A special Cabinet sub-committee, comprising the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, the Attorney General, Mr. Brady, 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.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, HSE, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under this Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and social services. This includes responsibility for the issue raised by the Deputy and, accordingly, my Department has requsted the HSE to investigate the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.