asked the Minister for Health if he has had an examination made of the percentage of hospital beds occupied by persons injured in road traffic accidents; if so, with what result; and if not, if he will have such an examination made with a view to requiring the insurance companies concerned to pay the cost of hospitalisation to the relief of ratepayers, taxpayers and injured persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Traffic Accidents.
4.
Details of the occupancy of hospital beds by patients suffering from injuries caused by traffic accidents are not yet available in my Department. The continuing survey of hospital in-patients which is being undertaken by the Medico-Social Research Board will in due course disclose this information.
The Deputy seems to be unaware of the change brought about consequent on the passing of the Health Act, 1970, in regard to the victims of road accidents, who are entitled to compensation arising out of their injuries. Under the Health Services Regulations, 1971, health boards are absolved from liability for the cost of hospital inpatient and out-patient treatment for road accident cases. These regulations include a provision that, where a person who would be eligible for such services in the ordinary way is admitted to hospital, he must establish that he is not entitled to compensation before he can be regarded as eligible for the services.
Can the Minister state from what date those regulations came into effect?
I have not the exact date. They were made shortly after the Health Act was passed. They were made some time this year. I could not give the exact date.
Can the Minister give the date with reference to the accident?
I have not got it. I will communicate the exact date to the Deputy.