Vol. 553 No. 2
561 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who is a patient in hospital and, even though this person has a medical card and lives in private rented accommodation, is being asked to make a contribution towards the cost of his or her stay in hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13803/02]
Under the Health Act, 1970, the determination of eligibility for health services is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board and neither my Department nor I has a function in the matter. I would like to add that health boards have discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused.
I have drawn this case to the attention of Mr. Donal O'Shea, chief executive officer, Eastern Regional Health Authority, and I have asked him to reply directly the Deputy.
