asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) indicating that the 50 per cent rise in hospital maintenance charges will not be sufficient to meet the cost of running the hospitals of the Federation of Dublin Voluntary Hospitals; whether he expects a deficit in the running costs of these and other hospitals this year; if so, what action he intends to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Maintenance Charges.
18.
I have already dealt at some length with this matter in reply to questions on the 3rd instant and again in the Adjournment debate on 4th instant. As already stated, despite the recent increases in the approved charges for Health Act patients, the Exchequer supports for the Hospitals Trust Fund in the current year will amount to £7.75 million by way of grant-in-aid towards the revenue deficits of the participating voluntary hospitals including the Federated Dublin Voluntary Hospitals.
The Minister has not replied specifically to this question. I asked him whether he is aware of a report by the Federated Voluntary Hospitals that the 50 per cent increase in hospital charges will not be sufficient to cover the current year's demand? Will he make a statement that the 50 per cent increase in hospital charges will not be sufficient to cover the current maintenance costs for this year? I have read the Adjournment debate and it has nothing to do with this statement.
I have made a statement. I have said that there will be Exchequer support for the Hospitals Trust Fund. It will amount to £7¾ million this year.
Will the Minister give an undertaking here and now that there will be no further increase over and above the 50 per cent in any hospital in this State during the year 1972-73?
If the Deputy means that the capitation grants will not be increased again this year, they will not and, in consequences, the cost of private beds will not be increased again.
The Minister is admitting that this statement is true?
I dealt with this in great detail. I will be dealing with the measures taken to ensure the efficiency of the hospitals in connection with the resolutions for the regional hospital boards.