Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Chiropody Services.

Pat Carey

Question:

550 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the practice by some chiropodists, who charge a top-up fee of approximately ?10 in addition to the fee which is available from the Northern Area Health Board, for public patients. [15527/03]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

588 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the basis on which persons issued with chiropody treatment cards by their health boards may be charged; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Northern Area Health Board has recently started to charge for chiropody services; his views in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15874/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Medical card holders who are deemed eligible for chiropody services, normally persons aged 65 years and over or persons with a particular illness, are entitled to receive these free of charge. There is no question that the Northern Area Health Board itself has commenced charging for these services.

Responsibility for the provision of services for medical card holders is, by legislation, a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board authority. Accordingly, these questions have been referred to the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority for investigation and direct reply to the Deputies.