asked the Minister for Health the effect the introduction of charges for public hospital out-patient and in-patient treatment has had on usage of services; and if he will give an estimate of the new administrative costs incurred.
Written Answers - Hospital Charges.
48.
The introduction of these charges as from 18 May 1987 coincided with the implementation of a number of other measures designed to rationalise the hospital services. Consequently it is not possible to quantify the effects which the charges had on health services usage. It is, however, important to note that inability to pay the charges should not affect access to or use of services.
The administration of the charges has been met by the redeployment of staff resources. The implementation of the measure did not therefore involve additional administrative costs.
49.
asked the Minister for Health the amount of money collected to date under the Health Services (Amendment) Regulations, 1987 in (a) out-patient services and (b) in-patient services; and the amount billed and as yet uncollected.
The position as at 31 October 1987, was as follows: out-patient charges — £1.7 million received; £0.6 million billed but not yet received. In-patient charges — £1.6 million received; £1.5 million billed but not yet received.