asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement in relation to a recent report (details supplied) that Irish anaesthetists are to introduce the British scale of fee charges for private practice from 1 March 1988 in a move which could result in patients being charged up to £600 for operations for which the VHI will only pay a maximum of £75; and the steps he proposes to take to ensure that the public are protected against such massive increases.
Written Answers. - Anaesthetists' Fees.
165.
The fees payable by private patients to their doctors is a matter for agreement between the two parties. I have no statutory function in the matter. I am disturbed at the level of increase which has been proposed by representatives of the anaesthetists. However, the question of control of the level of professional fees is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Industry and Commerce.