James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money donated to the repayment scheme donations fund in respect of the nursing home refund scheme for the repayment of illegal nursing home charges; the services that have or will benefit from this fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26198/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In accordance with Section 11 of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 a Repayment Scheme (Donations) Fund has been established and will be managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) for the purposes of implementing improvements in the public health services provided to dependent older persons and persons with disabilities. Donations received will be used to improve facilities in the institution or service specified by the donor. All donated monies will be used for the benefit of the patient and will be used to provide items of a non recurring nature including patient comforts.

The HSE has informed my Department that up to 30th September 2007 there has been a total of 161 expressions of interest from clients and 13 donations have been received amounting to €16,583 in total. The HSE have also informed my Department that many claimants who have expressed an interest in making a donation have indicated that they would make their donation directly to their local institution.