asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the fact that the cost to Limerick Health Authority of the daily maintenance of a patient from another county is approximately 20/- more than the authority receives for such patient, he will recoup the Limerick Health Authority this loss which at present has to be borne by the ratepayers of Limerick city and county.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Maintenance of Hospital Patients.
86.
Mr. O'Malley
The matter raised by the Deputy refers to eligible patients who come to Limerick Regional General or Maternity Hospitals, from an outside county, without being referred by their own health authority. The question of the payment to be made in respect of these patients by the health authority concerned to the Limerick Health Authority, is a matter for agreement between these two bodies.
I have received a request from Limerick Health Authority to receive a deputation to discuss the question of a supplementary health grant to meet the commitments which the health authority has to bear in respect of patients from outside counties. I have informed the health authority that I am prepared to meet the deputation, and I expect that arrangements for this discussion will be made at an early date.
If I may add, the meeting will be next week.