Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has on called on the Government to urgently address and resolve the Long Stay Bed controversy.

Over 9,000 patients and elderly people with mental health issues, some with profound medical needs and disabilities, were overcharged, misled by officials who told them they were not eligible under the Health Long term Repayment scheme, and were forced to pay so-called ‘voluntary contributions’.

Teachta Crowe was speaking after the Oireachtas Health Committee sat on Wednesday 15th February 2023 to discuss the matter with Department of Health officials led by Robert Watt, Secretary General of the Department.

Teachta Crowe said:

“The government, through the HSE, essentially took money off the most vulnerable people in society, many of whom were in nursing homes both public and private, long term residential disability care settings, including those who were elderly, those with mental health issues, and people with profound disabilities.

“Over 9,000 patients and elderly people with mental health issues, some with profound medical needs and disabilities, were overcharged, misled by officials who told them they were not eligible under the Health Long term Repayment scheme, and were forced to pay so-called ‘voluntary contributions’.

“There were three groups of vulnerable people who overpaid and were eligible for repayment, but only one got paid. Some people never applied to the scheme because they advised not to; some did apply, but the deciding officer told them they were not entitled to payment; and the third group, the minority, who appealed and ultimately received what was due to them.

“I do not believe that this was either fair or just. All three were entitled to redress but had to fight through a system designed to mislead them at every opportunity.

“The government needs to address this issue and reimburse those who were misled, told untruths, and excluded from this repayment scheme.”