asked the Minister for Health the amount of money received by each health board in 1981-82 and 1983 from persons with full and limited eligibility who were hospitalised as a result of personal injuries sustained through road traffic accidents, or at work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Health Board Receipts.
224.
The amounts received by each health board in the years 1981, 1982 and 1983 from persons who were hospitalised as a result of personal injuries sustained through road traffic accidents are set out in the following table:
|
Health Board |
1981 |
1982 |
1983 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
Eastern |
38,974 |
70,029 |
76,877 |
|
Midland |
18,287 |
34,152 |
67,873 |
|
Mid-Western |
36,577 |
93,911 |
124,113 |
|
North Eastern |
77,695 |
90,689 |
141,000 |
|
North Western |
18,505 |
13,771 |
6,907 |
|
South Eastern |
57,072 |
114,159 |
151,452 |
|
Southern |
144,700 |
161,400 |
310,000 |
|
Western |
95,135 |
167,545 |
189,219 |
|
TOTAL |
486,945 |
745,656 |
1,067,441 |
These charges were raised under Article 6(3) of the Health Services Regulations, 1971, which excluded from eligibility for services those persons who required treatment for injuries received in road traffic accidents and who had received, or were entitled to receive, compensation or damages in respect of their injuries.
The Supreme Court has recently considered the legality of this particular article and has held that the article is ultra vires the power of the Minister and is void. The consequences of this judgment are being considered by the Department.
The general conditions of eligibility apply in the case of treatment required in respect of injuries at work.