Vol. 354 No. 4
asked the Minister for Health if he considers the percentage increases in VHI charges in the last four years to be excessive, namely a 25 per cent increase in August 1981, a 100 per cent increase in February 1982, a 50 per cent increase in January 1983 and a 25 per cent increase in January 1984.
647.
asked the Minister for Health if he accepts that the proposed 15 per cent increase in VHI charges, which was announced in the Government's national plan, is excessive in view of the 200 per cent increase in charges which has taken place since 1981; if he accepts that such massive increases will seriously put at risk the continuing success of the VHI and if he accepts that such excessive charges for private and semi-private patients are totally unfair in view of the availability of public ward accommodation free of charge.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 646 and 647 together.
The charges referred to by the Deputy are those related to private and semiprivate accommodation in public hospitals. While these charges have been increased substantially in recent years they are still substantially less than the average cost of services in the hospital categories to which they relate. Furthermore, it has been possible for the Voluntary Health Insurance Board to provide cover against the increased charges while maintaining their viability. I do not consider that the proposed increases in charges from 1 January 1985 will alter that position.
I consider that it is not unreasonable to move the charges mentioned closer to actual cost in a situation where the only alternative to increasing income is to reduce expenditure.
