asked the Minister for Health whether it is a fact that a person who suffers an accident and is cared for in a local authority hospital may have his expenses and costs paid for by a local health authority when, owing to the operation of the Insurance Acts, an insurance company would in fact be liable for any such costs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Expenses and Costs in Accident Cases.
7.
An eligible person is entitled to receive institutional services under the Health Acts in a local authority hospital irrespective of the reason why he needs those services. Therefore, an eligible person is entitled to care and treatment in a hospital, if needed, following an accident.
The reference to Insurance Acts in the question suggests that the Deputy misconceives their purpose which is to provide for general supervision over the conduct of the activities of insurance companies. Accordingly, the Acts do not specify the extent of cover which must be afforded by any particular insurance transaction. This is customarily set out in the policy of insurance issued by the insurer concerned.
Would the Minister not think that local health authorities should, where they can, recover any costs for which the insurance company would normally be liable for the maintenance of the person in hospital as a result of an accident?
I am surprised that is not the case. I know the central authority always insists, if there is cover of this kind, that it be called on.