asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the amounts being charged to persons for ambulance services; and, in particular, the cost to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is in the Southern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ambulance Services.
270.
The provision of ambulance services is a matter for each health board in the first instance. Under the Health Act, 1970, a health board may charge for the provision of such services.
The Southern Health Board, in general, charge all persons, other than those with full eligibility, for ambulance services.
In the particular case to which the Deputy refers, I am informed by the Southern Health Board that these charges were raised as the board had no evidence that the patient was in the full eligibility category. I am also informed by the board that in cases of hardship some or all of the charges may be waived. The board will examine each case on its merits.
I should point out that at no time are emergency ambulance services refused to any person because of inability to pay.