James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of appeals made to the nursing home repayment scheme; the number of appeal decisions issued; the average time to process and appeal; the number of appeal decisions that have resulted in an increased offer to claimants; the number of appeal decisions that have resulted in the initial offer to claimants; the number of appeal decisions that have resulted in a reduced offer to claimants; if she will provide a breakdown of issues to which claimants appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6865/09]

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.

Up to 13 February 2009, 5,269 appeals have been lodged with the Appeals Office and 2,883 appeal decisions have issued. The average completion time for an Appeal Officer's decision is 116 days. 189 appeal decisions have resulted in an increased offer to claimants and 28 appeal decisions have resulted in a reduced offer to claimants. 253 appeal decisions will result in an initial offer to claimants.

In relation to the issues on which claimants appeal, 1,411 of the appeals lodged relate to appeals of the amount of repayment offered and 3,858 relate to appeals made against the Scheme Administrator's decision to reject application made under the Health Repayment Scheme.