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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 1961

Vol. 188 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maintenance Accounts in Wexford County Hospital.

6.

asked the Minister for Health the number of cases in which the Wexford County Council has instructed its solicitors to apply for payment of accounts alleged to be due for maintenance at the County Hospital, Wexford; and the number of such cases in which the maximum charge of 10/- per day is demanded.

The Deputy will appreciate that the detailed administration of health services is a matter for the local authority concerned and that local staffs have the duty of collecting all sums which are properly due to that authority. I have no direct responsibility in the matter but in view of the Deputy's question I enquired from the local authority as to the position.

I have been informed that 295 cases were referred to the county council solicitor for collection of accounts since December, 1959. In 274 of these cases, the maximum charge of 10/- per day was requested. I have further been informed that in all such cases the circumstances had been fully investigated before the papers were referred to the solicitor and that no case was referred in which ability to pay had not, prima facie, been established.

Is the Minister aware that one person with a very limited income got a bill from a voluntary hospital for seven guineas for two days for a child? Will the Minister do something about this wholesale robbery carried out by so-called specialists in hospitals?

Is the Minister aware that it seems to be the invariable practice of this local authority and many others to charge the maximum of 10/- a day?

Whatever may be the case in respect of this local authority, I am not aware that the practice obtains in the case of many others.

I hope not.

There is the bill— seven guineas—demanded for two days for a child.

If the Deputy wanted that seriously investigated and not to advertise himself——

You have to advertise yourself.

——he would have done me the courtesy of writing a letter enclosing that document and making his complaint.

To forget this person, what about all the other people?

In reply to Question No. 5 and Question No.6 the Minister said that he had no immediate responsibility.

No function.

The Minister certainly must have in view of the fact that in respect of all health charges he is required to pay 50 per cent. He may have no function but surely he must have a 50 per cent. interest?

Perhaps having regard to that fact, my function might be to see that any person who can pay or should pay, will pay.

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