Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 407: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of nursing home refund appeals processed in each of the past 12 months; the length of time it is taking to process each application, both oral and written; the cost of administering the appeals office; the payment mechanism for the appeals officers; when it is expected to clear the backlog; the numbers involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1236/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. Details of the number of appeals determined in each of the past 12 months are set out in the table.

It is anticipated that the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office will continue to receive completed Appeals Forms during 2009 and that the majority of appeals will be determined before the end of 2009.

The Appeals Officers must investigate each appeal independently, these investigations can require additional reviews by the Health Service Executive and the Scheme Administrator and certain appeals present a high level of complexity. In addition a very high percentage of appellants have requested an Oral Hearing with an Appeals Officer. A second Appeals Officer was appointed on 1 September 2008 to ensure appeals are determined as quickly as possible.

As of 16 January 2009, the average waiting time for an Oral Hearing is 180 calendar days and the average waiting time for an Appeals Officer's Decision is 182 calendar days. As of 16 January 2009, the average completion time for an Oral Hearing is 163 calendar days and the average completion time for an Appeals Officer's Decision is 105 calendar days.

The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office was established in December 2006. Two Appeals Officers have been appointed to consider appeals and the Office has five administration staff. The set-up and ongoing operating expenses of the Office, including the salaries in respect of the Appeals Officers and staff, up to 31 December 2008 are set out in the following table. Salaries are paid to the Appeals Officers and staff by the Department of Health and Children. These salaries are then refunded on a quarterly basis to the Department of Health and Children from the Special Account as provided for under section 13 of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 408: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when a nursing home refund appeal by persons (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be processed; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1237/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. The claimant referred to by the Deputy lodged an Appeal Form with the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office on 3 June 2008 and lodged an Oral Hearing Form on 12 June 2008. The appeal is currently being investigated and an oral hearing will be arranged for the claimant in Athlone as soon as is practicable. When the Appeals Officer has made a determination on this appeal he/she will write to the claimant and will provide the claimant with the reasons for the decision.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 409: To ask the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 18 December 2008, the position regarding the issue of interest owing to long-stay patients; when repayment will commence; the cost of the administration of this repayment programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1238/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The HSE plans to commence the payment of interest retained on funds invested since 2005 in early 2009. All interest to be repaid since 2005 is retained in the PPP Fund as unallocated income and is available for distribution. The HSE will incur some administrative costs in making these repayments, which the HSE is currently establishing.

The HSE is also finalising a proposal regarding any interest owed as a result of interest retained by former Health Boards prior to 2005. While retained interest in respect of some of this period is in the PPP fund, the cost implications of any proposal are currently being reviewed.