State admits it may owe patients billions

THE GOVERNMENT admitted yesterday that it may have to pay out billions of euro to people with disabilities and those resident in mental hospitals.

Following last week's Supreme Court ruling that the State had illegally charged nursing home residents for their care, Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney said the Government was anxious to repay the illegal charges as soon as possible.

But while the Government has yet to decide whether the Statute of Limitations should be invoked to limit payments to the last six years, Ms Harney confirmed the statute could not apply to anyone who was charged while "not of sound mind."