Vol. 482 No. 2
74 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the total cost in relation to hospitals, ambulances, medical and surgical services in response to road traffic accidents in 1996; the moneys, if any, reimbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17531/97]
It is estimated that bills amounting to £11,551,673 were issued by the health agencies in 1996 and cash receipts for the same period were £3,853,992. The receipts for 1996 are, by and large, settlements from previous years and do not therefore relate to the bills for 1996.
The Deputy will appreciate that there is often a considerable time delay between the issue of bills and reimbursement. In many cases litigation is involved, and as a consequence it can take a number of years to recover outstanding moneys. Bills issued often overstate the position as they include cases which on examination will be shown not to meet the criteria of the Health (Amendment) Act, 1986 relating to liability for charges in the case of road traffic accidents.
