Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 May 1994

Vol. 443 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Charges.

John Bruton

Question:

80 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health the reason health boards are being allowed to introduce a £7 per day charge for respite beds for elderly people who are medical card holders; and if this charge is likely to undermine the whole purpose of the provision of respite beds.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The report, The Years Ahead — A policy for the Elderly is the first official report to recommend comprehensive measures relating to the provision of respite places for the elderly. The report emphasised the importance of additional day care places and respite facilities to offer carers a break from caring during the day or for short and regular periods of time.

The overriding consideration in applying charges is that persons with means who are in receipt of long term residential or respite care should make a contribution towards the cost of their maintenance. The statutory basis for the charges is provided by the Institutional Assistance Regulations.

The health boards base the charges for respite care on the person's income. In deciding the amount to be contributed, health boards have regard to a person's individual circumstances. Allowance is made for any commitments the person may have and a reasonable amount is left to cover the person's needs. Charges vary between health boards. Obviously, any hardship arising from hospital charges are examined and are waived where appropriate.

I might add that the whole area of long stay charges is presently under review. The recently published Health Strategy states that the legislation governing these changes will be amended to provide a clearer and fairer basis for these contributions towards the cost of long term maintenance.