asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in announcing increased capitation grants in respect of voluntary hospitals; if a new method of financing voluntary hospitals is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Voluntary Hospitals.
14.
The capitation rates payable by health boards for services provided for elegible patients in public voluntary hospitals will not be increased in the current financial year. This will not affect the financial position of these hospitals because increases in costs will be offset by increases in the grants payable from the Hospitals Trust Fund towards their revenue deficits.
The method of financing the hospitals in 1974-75 is at present being considered. I will make a statement as soon as the question has been resolved.
Is it the Minister's intention to change the system of capitation grants for voluntary hospitals to a different method of subvention?
It has not been so decided as yet. It may well be the case, but, as I said, I shall be making a statement on it later on.