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DAIL DEBATE Written Answers Nos. 136-153 DÁIL ÉIREANN
137. Mr. Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider accessing the national pensions reserve fund on a once-off basis to fund the cost of reimbursement of the nursing home charges on foot of the Supreme Court's decision of 16 February 2005 that such charges were unlawful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5928/05]
Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney): The national pensions reserve fund was established for the purpose of meeting as much as possible of the cost to the Exchequer of social welfare pensions and public service pensions to be paid from the year 2025 until the year 2055, or such other subsequent years as may be specified, as set out in section 18(1) of the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000. Section 20(1) of the Act states "the Commission shall not make any payment from the fund to the Exchequer before the year 2025". My Department is studying the Supreme Court judgment in detail and will take on board all the consequences for policy and law arising from it. The cost of reimbursement will be met from the Vote for the health service Estimate. A Supplementary Estimate to cover the costs will be moved in due course. |