asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that protection by way of compensation may not be afforded to non-paying patients in poor law institutions who suffer injury by reason of the neglect or incompetence of the authority controlling the institutions or their staffs; and, if so, whether he will consider introducing proposals for legislation for the purpose of protecting the interests of such non-paying patients.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Patients in Institutions.
The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.
I propose to introduce legislation which will have the same effect in relation to non-paying patients in public assistance institutions as sub-section (3) of Section 108 of the Health Act, 1947, has in relation to non-paying patients in health institutions.