A former doctor from Co Clare has appeared in court on charges arising out of allegations that he treated terminally-ill cancer patients in return for payments ranging from €100 to €20,000.
Pascal Carmody (60), Ballycuggaran, Killaloe, Co Clare, is facing 18 separate charges under the Larceny Act and the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Act.
The charges relate to offences of larceny, deception and getting money by false pretences in respect of three alleged injured parties on various dates between January 2001 and December 2002.
Yesterday, at Limerick District Court, Det Garda Declan O'Brien from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation gave evidence of arresting and charging Mr Carmody at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick where he was being treated after feeling unwell the previous day.
The court heard that the accused replied, "this was not payable to me" in response to seven of the charges.
He replied, "this was not photodynamic therapy" in response to two charges and "I have no association with that company" in response to one charge.
He made no reply in respect of the eight other charges, the court heard.
When asked by Judge Tom O'Donnell to outline the allegations, Det Garda O'Brien said it is alleged that Mr Carmody and another doctor treated a number of patients suffering from various terminal cancers in return for payments ranging from €100 to €20,000.
The court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions has recommended that the case be dealt with on indictment and the State sought a six-week adjournment for preparation of the book of evidence.
Bail was granted on Mr Carmody's own bond of €1,000 and on condition that he surrendered his passport and sign on twice weekly at Killaloe Garda station.
The 60-year-old was also ordered not to interfere with, or have any contact with the alleged injured parties in the case or their relatives.
The former doctor who ran a practice in Killaloe, Co Clare, is due to appear before Killaloe District Court again on January 21st next.
Judge Tom O'Donnell gave the State liberty to re-enter the case if Mr Carmody's passport was not handed in to Killaloe Garda station by 6pm yesterday.