Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2012
229 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct the Health Service Executive to open all the beds in Dingle Hospital, County Kerry, to full capacity with immediate effect in view of the pressure for long-stay places for the elderly on the Dingle Peninsula. [4678/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the basis on which a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is deemed liable for a €290 charge that is not covered by VHI at the Hermitage Hospital, Dublin, in view of the fact that they were transferred there from Blanchardstown Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4681/12]
View answerWhile I have overall responsibility for the VHI, the VHI is a commercial company operating in a competitive market. The VHI is free under its governing legislation to design its own health insurance schemes and to enter into agreements with health service providers. I have no role to play in the day to day operations of the VHI or of any private health insurance company and the issue raised by the Deputy appears to be a private contractual matter between the customer and his insurer. If the individual in question is not satisfied with the decisions made in this case, they may contact the industry regulator, the Health Insurance Authority (www.hia.ie— Canal House, Canal Road, Dublin 6, Lo-Call 1850 929 166).
