Vol. 457 No. 4
48 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health the number of non-EU visitors to Ireland in 1993, 1994 and to date in 1995 who were hospitalised for medical and surgical treatments in each health board area; the cost of this to the Exchequer; the amount recovered from those persons to cover that cost; and the steps, if any, being taken to recover outstanding amounts. [14006/95]
Limerick East): Information is not readily available on the number of non-EU visitors to Ireland in 1993, 1994 and to date in 1995 who were hospitalised for medical and surgical treatments in each health board area. My Department has contacted health boards and hospitals to ascertain if the information sought by the Deputy is available and I will reply directly to the Deputy on this issue.
I should point out, however, that non-EU visitors to Ireland have no entitlement to health services in Ireland. Such visitors, therefore, are liable either themselves or through their travel insurance for the full economic cost of any treatment they receive. In all cases hospitals and health boards apply the appropriate charge. Health boards have the discretion to provide urgent necessary treatment at a reduced charge or without charge, as deemed appropriate by the board, where application of the full economic charge would cause undue hardship. This is to ensure that no visitor to Ireland, regardless of nationality, is denied essential medical treatment due to inability to pay.
