David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to difficulties being encountered by persons with intellectual disabilities and their families who are claiming repayment under the patient repayment scheme; the reasons such payments are being delayed in respect of persons with an intellectual disability; if she will issue strict instructions as to the way such payments will be made; when such payments will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28944/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The health repayment scheme was launched in August 2006 and is administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in conjunction with the appointed Scheme Administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald. The HSE has indicated that the scheme is progressing as speedily as possible and every effort is being made to complete payments. The time taken to process each application varies depending on the complexity of the application and the availability of accurate records to calculate repayment. As of 2 November 2007 over 31,000 claim forms have been received, 4,663 payments totalling over €92m have issued and 6,733 offers totalling over €129m have been made.

The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides a clear legal framework to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term residential care. The scheme covers only those persons with full eligibility who were charged under the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 1976 or the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1954 (as amended). Applications from or in respect of persons with an intellectual disability must be assessed within this legal framework I have outlined.