asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the Laois County Manager has instructed that court proceedings be instituted in all cases where there are outstanding hospital, medical and ambulance accounts; and that many poor people who cannot afford to pay these large sums are being brought to court; and if, in view of the fact that the members of the local authority are very much disturbed, he will receive a deputation of the members so as to stay all such proceedings pending the suggested changes in the administration of the Health Act; and, further, if he has satisfied himself that it is proper that such people should be brought to court.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital, Medical and Ambulance Accounts: Laois Proceedings.
5.
I have had enquiries made from the Health Authority and I am assured that the position is not as has been indicated by the Deputy. I understand that reasonable time to pay is given in all cases where charges are levied on patients who receive hospital treatment or avail of medical or ambulance services. If, following the issue of repeated reminders, the accounts are not discharged, the circumstances of the patient are again investigated and the matter is referred to the Health Authority's solicitor only where the Authority is satisfied that the charge can be met without hardship. In most cases following an approach by the solicitor arrangements are made to discharge the accounts either in full or by instalments.
In these circumstances, I cannot accept the suggestion of the Deputy that many poor people who cannot afford to pay the sums involved are being brought to court. I have received no request from the Health Authority to receive a deputation in regard to this matter.
6.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that Laois County Council have instructed their solicitor to institute legal proceedings against a person (name supplied) for a hospital account, who is the holder of a medical card; and what action he proposes to take in such circumstances.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have no functions in the fixing of charges for hospital treatment within the statutory limits and in the arrangements made for the collection of such charges in individual cases. I have, however, had enquiries made from the Health Authority in this case and I understand that the person concerned was not the holder of a medical card at the time he received hospital treatment, for which a charge of £5 10s. was made, or for some time subsequently. In that period an arrangement was made and accepted by the Health Authority for payment of the amount due by instalments and, in fact, £3 of the account was paid in this way.
A medical card was applied for and granted in October, 1960, as the applicant was then in receipt of Social Welfare benefit. I understand that the Health Authority are reviewing the position regarding the amount outstanding.