asked the Minister for Health the rates of charges for the conveyance of patients to hospital by helicopter; and if any special arrangements have been made with health authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Helicopter Charges.
59.
The charge fixed by the Minister for Defence for the conveyance of patients to hospital by helicopter is £67 per hour. In certain circumstances, small additional charges may be made. In no instance has a special arrangement been made with a health authority to vary these charges.
Would the Minister not consider that a mileage charge would be more equitable than an hourly charge and does he not agree that a charge of £67 per hour unreasonable, in view of the fact that this is supposed to be a mercy service? Does he not consider that this charge rules out many people who might be anxious to avail of this service?
Mr. O'Malley
No one is ruled out from the service of a helicopter for lack of funds. That does not arise at all. If afterwards a very substantial bill is furnished, as is usual in these cases, more often than not the cost is entirely defrayed.
Would the Minister not consider a mileage charge? I am sure he will agree that while the helicopter is not being used, if it has to stop for a period at either terminal, the charge should not be as high as it is?
Mr. O'Malley
The helicopter cost £60,000, and the Department of Defence have informed us that the rate is £67 per hour, which includes £22 10s. for depreciation of the helicopter, £20 for its care and maintenance, £13 for overheads, £5 for fuel and oil, and the balance covers the cost of the crew and other incidentals. The helicopter, which costs £60,000, has a normal life of only five years and a residual value at the end of £15,000. Therefore, the depreciation over a period of five years is £45,000, which on the basis of 400 hours usage per year works out at £22 10s. per hour.
If the helicopter is not used except on training exercises, depreciation will still be almost the same as it is when it is being used. In those circumstances, there is not the direct loss which the Minister suggests and is not reasonable to have the charges drastically reduced?
Mr. O'Malley
I do not know what the Deputy is worrying about because the primary consideration is the patient and the question of charges, in the main, is one of book-keeping.