Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 450: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if consideration will be given towards extending the deadline to facilitate late applicants under the nursing home repayments scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2209/08]

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 14 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.

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.