asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that pensions and social welfare allowances in respect of patients in long-stay institutions are being held by the authorities of these institutions; if so, the total amount of such moneys held; and if he is satisfied that this practice should continue.

I am aware that it is the practice in relation to many long-stay institutions for health boards to hold in safe keeping the social welfare books of persons in these institutions.

This generally facilitates the cashing of the allowances on behalf of the recipients and also facilitates the health board in collecting contributions towards maintenance, where applicable. Some people, however, retain their Social Welfare books and make their own arrangements for obtaining the allowances.

It is also the practice in institutions for the authorities to hold on behalf of some persons the balances of allowances which accrue after they have paid their contributions. This normally relates to persons who are unable to look after the money themselves.

These practices are generally regarded as satisfactory and I am not aware that they have caused any great difficulties.

The amount of contributions collected by health boards from persons in long-stay institutions, almost all of which would be collected from persons in receipt of social welfare allowances, is estimated at £5 million for the current year.

Information is not available in my Department as to moneys held by the authorities of institutions on behalf of persons in the institutions.

I crave the indulgence of the Chair in this matter. Is the Minister aware that these moneys are retained ostensibly to pay for funeral arrangements for those in long-stay institutions? I would plead with the Minister to examine into this because it is a most iniquitous practice. I do not think anyone has the right to hold money like this and it should be left to the persons themselves or to people outside the institutions, because large sums are involved. Would the Minister consider holding an immediate review of the situation? There is considerable dissatisfaction which is invariably voiced to officials at a low level and the position is creating a great deal of discontent. I would appreciate it if the Minister would have a look into the matter.

The Deputy would not object to the institution holding the money for someone who was not competent to look after his or her own affairs. Very often it might be more desirable for the institution to look after the money than for an outside person to do so because the latter might not be entirely disinterested. It is a difficult area.

There are many, many cases where money is being held illegally by hospital authorities and I would ask the Minister if his Department—I know it is a very busy Department—would have a look at this aspect because I think it is a serious matter?