Harney and AG to discuss implications of nursing home ruling

The Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney, is due to hold talks with the Attorney General today as the Government attempts to sort out the fiasco surrounding illegal nursing home fees.

Irish taxpayers are currently facing a compensation bill of up to €1bn following the Government's realisation that the deduction of these fees from the pensions of medical card holders is illegal.

The practice has been ongoing since 1976 and an attempt by the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition to retrospectively legalise the deductions was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court last week.

Ms Harney and the Attorney General, Rory Brady, are due to discuss the legal implications of that ruling today, as well as possible schemes for refunding the nursing home fees.