Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 May 2012
310 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has finalised proposals to seek a reduction in the cost of funding medical certification fees; if she will provide the details of those proposals that were prepared by her Department post-budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24155/12]
View answer311 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection if the 10% reduction in medical fees announced in budget 2012 has been applied; if she will confirm that the fee of €8.25 for a standard medical certificate has been reduced by €0.825 to €7.425 equivalent to a 10% cut; if the fee of €44.44 for a detailed medical report has been reduced by €4.444 to €40 equivalent to a 10% cut; if these 10% reductions have not been applied, if she will detail the amount such a reduction as outlined would have saved on the out turn for 2011; the expected saving in 2012 if it was applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24156/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.
As part of Budget 2012, it was announced that a reduction of 10% in the administrative cost of medical certification would be achieved this year.
This is being achieved through a reduction in the number of medical certificates that doctors are required to issue.
The frequency of certification by a person's doctor has been reduced in cases where a person's medical condition is deemed such that less frequent certification is appropriate.
At this stage, it is not proposed to implement a rate reduction as rates have remained unchanged since July 2003.
