asked the Minister for Health the loss to public funds which would result from the abolition of hospital charges to persons receiving treatment under section 15 of the Health Act, 1953.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Abolition of Hospital Charges for Certain Patients.
13.
The contributions receivable by the health authorities under Section 15 of the Health Act, 1953, in respect of services provided for hospital in-patients are estimated at £317,000 annually. This amount represents approximately the loss of income which would result if the contribution liability were abolished, subject to some saving on account of the present cost of collection of the contributions. This cost could not be computed accurately without extensive enquiries but is believed to be relatively small.