asked the Minister for Health if he will advise health authorities that the imposition of charges of 10/- per day on insured workers for institutional treatment during periods when such workers are in receipt only of social welfare benefit is contrary to the provisions of the Health Act, 1953; and that they should be regarded as coming within the benefits of section 14 of the Act.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Charges for Institutional Treatment.
69.
A person who is insured under the Social Welfare Acts is entitled to hospital services at a charge not exceeding 10/- a day. The actual charge, which may vary from nothing up to 10/- a day depends on the circumstances of the particular case. If a person's normal income ceases while he is in hospital this factor is taken into account in deciding what, if any, charge should be made. Account is also taken of the person's normal financial situation and the duration of the period of illness. If the patient's normal financial circumstances are such that a reduction in his earning capacity over a short period would not be of serious significance, a charge of up to 10/- a day would not be contrary to the provisions of the Health Act, 1953.
I wish, however, to emphasise that it is not necessary for a person to establish his entitlement to services under section 14 of the Act in order to receive hospital services free of charge.
If a man, as soon as he enters hospital, is in receipt of no income whatsoever, will he be liable for any hospital charge?
Mr. O'Malley
If a person has no income, having regard to the other background information as to his capacity to pay generally, I would have no hesitation in saying that that man is entitled to service free of charge.
If a man is in hospital and is in receipt of disability benefit of £4 or £5, could he be charged?
Mr. O'Malley
In my opinion, he certainly should not be. I do not know why Deputies put down these questions to me. They are fully empowered to raise these matters in their local authority. If they do not get satisfaction, then let them come to me.
Will the Minister tell the county managers?
Mr. O'Malley
I have already spoken to them about old age pensioners. I had to send a circular around and I would not have had to do that if members were doing their work in the local authorities.
The Minister was a member of a local authority long enough and he did not do it.