Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the date and attendees at meetings held between the Health Service Executive and her Department regarding the issue of interest owing to long stay patients for the year 2004 and earlier years; the recommendations and conclusion as a result of these meetings; the approximate annual value of interest which may be owed to patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20887/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Officials from my Department (a Principal Officer, 2 Assistant Principal Officers, a Higher Executive Officer and an Executive Officer) liaise with staff from the Health Service Executive (HSE) on a fortnightly basis. The purpose of these meetings is to monitor the implementation of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 which includes the regulation of patient private property accounts. The repayment of past interest retained is one of the issues discussed at these meetings.

My Department has received legal advice on this issue indicating that any past interest retained should be repaid in full. The HSE has received independent legal advice and is currently clarifying certain issues in advance of initiating the repayment of interest retained. Officials from my Department will continue to liaise with the HSE in this regard. The HSE has informed my Department that the estimate for total past interest retained up to the end of 2005 is approximately €31m.