asked the Minister for Health the basis on which hospital overnight charges for semi-private and private beds in a public hospital are decided; the basis on which similar charges in private hospitals are decided, disaggregating the overall charge into the elements for bought-in materials, personal service, interest, depreciation; and whether the charge rates in private hospitals are subject to any form of official approval.
Written Answers. - Hospital Overnight Charges.
231.
Because of the nature of the accounting system at present in place in public hospitals it is not possible at present to disaggregate charges for private accommodation into the precise form required by the Deputy. However, charges for such accommodation are calculated having regard to the overall economic cost of providing services.
I have no regulatory function regarding charges in private hospitals and therefore have no information concerning the constituent elements of such charges.