Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Charges.

Richard Bruton

Question:

233 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children whether he has provided, in the 1998 Estimates, for a change in the charges which apply for outpatient visits, public ward beds, semiprivate beds and private beds; the new level of charges, if any, there will be in this regard; and, if so, when they will come into force. [20586/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Provision has been made in the 1998 Estimates for an increase in income for public hospitals. All options, including possibly increasing hospital charges, will be considered in due course.