Vol. 420 No. 9
130 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has made a decision whereby persons referred to hospital accident and emergency departments by their GP would not have to pay the outpatient charge if they had already paid their GP; and if so, if he will outline the date on which this new procedure will be implemented.
As I indicated in a reply to Deputy Callely on 20 May 1992, my Department is continuously considering ways in which the delivery of health care can be improved and the operation of hospital Accident and Emergency Departments is one of the areas which is being examined at present. The proposal mentioned by the Deputy is one of the areas under examination and no final decision has yet been taken in the matter.
