More than 1,000 register for refunds of nursing home fees

More than 1,000 people have reportedly registered for refunds of nursing home fees illegally levied on them or their relatives by the State.

Reports this morning said around 850 people had sought such refunds via a helpline set up by the Health Service Executive on Monday, while at least 200 others had submitted claims by e-mail.

The HSE was forced to apologise on Monday when the helpline, manned by just six people, was inundated with calls.

This morning's reports said the Executive had since boosted the number of people answering the phones to 25.

An estimated 70,000 people are reportedly entitled to refunds of nursing home fees illegally levied on medical cards holders between 1976 and late last year.