Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
178 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding his correspondence with the CEOs of the health boards on the practise of some chiropodists charging a €10 top-up fee to public patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5410/04]
View answerMy Department has been made aware of the practice by some chiropodists, particularly those in some parts of the ERHA's area, of levying their medical card patients for services. Last November, in an effort to ascertain the level of this practice nationally, the chairman of the chief executive officers group was asked to investigate the matter and revert to my Department. A reminder was issued in December. The group was contacted again this week and the report will be available later this week. Upon receipt, I will be in a better position to advise the Deputy on the level of inappropriate overcharging.
