A 71-year-old woman faces 173 charges of deception and false accounting at two pharmacies in Co Cork of more than €4.5 million.
Christine Crowley, of Main Street in Drimoleague appeared before the Clonakilty District Court today.
The offences allegedly occurred on dates between 2004 and 2009 at two pharmacies, Crowley's Pharmacy and Kerr's Pharmacy, both in Dunmanway, Co Cork.
The charges, for amounts of up to €150,000, allege she induced the HSE by deception to pay out fraudulent claims under the Drugs Payment Scheme/Long Term Illness Scheme and also allegedly falsified patients' medical records for accounting purposes.
Ms Crowley was brought under garda custody to Clonakilty District Court following her arrest. Details of the arrest, charge and caution were handed into the court by way of certificate.
Garda Superintendent Ger O’Mahony told Judge James McNulty that the DPP was seeking to have Ms Crowley returned for trial.
The court was told that the State had no objection to a bail application as long as it was a condition that Ms Crowley have no contact with anyone connected with the investigation.
She was granted bail on her own bond of €10,000 and on an independent surety from her husband John for €20,000.
The case was adjourned until 20 September for the presentation of the book of evidence.
