Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if, in respect of the Health Service Executive repayments scheme for nursing home patients, she will extend the current deadline of 31 December 2007 for 12 months for submissions because up to 80% of qualifying applicants have yet to make claims due to individuals' inability to have legal material available in time. [36061/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Repayment Scheme was launched by the Health Service Executive and the appointed scheme administrator on 14th August 2006 by way of a national advertising campaign.

An extensive advertising and publicity campaign was undertaken to ensure that eligible applicants who wished to do so submitted an application prior to the closing date of 31 December 2007. This campaign included a series of nationwide roadshows to highlight the scheme and to assist applicants complete their applications.

A streamlined probate process has been developed to facilitate repayments to estates where probate had not been obtained and in this regard over 9,500 certificates of entitlement have been issued by 11 January 2008. These certificates will continue to issue as necessary to enable those who have submitted a valid application under the scheme to receive a repayment.

In view of the various measures which have been undertaken by the HSE to maximise awareness of the scheme and its belief that any extension would not lead to a significant increase in applications, I have decided not to extend the closing date for receipt of applications.