John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 105: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an audit has been undertaken to determine the value of each patient's account held in each of the old health board areas; if the account balance has been agreed with each patient or their representative; if a protocol has been agreed as to the way in which these accounts should be managed by the Health Service Executive in order to protect the rights of the patient and the integrity of the HSE staff involved; if an agreement or charter stating the way in which these funds should be used has been put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22915/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service Executive administers a patient private property account system to manage the private money of patients in long stay care. The HSE has established a multi-disciplinary working group to ensure that the administration of these accounts: 1) Meets all legal and regulatory requirements 2) Operates in the best interests of patients in as responsive a way as practical 3) Takes appropriate account of, in so far as is practical, the input of patients relatives and friends 4) Is consistent with best practice in terms of financial controls, transparent accountability and corporate governance arrangements 5) Is efficient and represents value for money in the use of staff and HSE resources.

My Department accepts the need for clarity in the administration of these accounts and the Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill 2006, which will be enacted shortly, includes provisions to regulate patient private property accounts. As the HSE administers patient private property accounts, enquiries relating to these accounts are referred to the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive. My Department has asked the HSE to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.