Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
644. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 613 of 23 October 2012, if he will give the information requested and define the meaning of a virtual bed or chair and the cost associated with the use of each and if the term virtual was introduced by hospitals or health insurance companies. [51532/12]
View answerThe Minister has not defined a 'virtual bed' or a 'chair' under the provisions of Section 55 of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The charges levied by hospitals in respect of each day or part of a day during which in-patient services are availed of in respect of private, semi-private and day-case accommodation in public hospitals are as set out in my reply to the Deputy's previous question on this matter.
