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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 May 1988

Vol. 380 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Boards Administrative Charges.

52.

asked the Minister for Health arising from a reply to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 15 March 1988 concerning administrative charges for applications for E111 and hospital services cards, if he has examined the implications of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the present position in the matter.

I have considered the implications of the administrative charges introduced by some health boards and I am advised that there is no legal prohibition on their imposition.

In March of this year, the Minister stated that the health boards did not have the right to impose charges on individuals or applicants who had already paid for the entitlements through their health contributions. Is the Minister now saying that health boards are legally entitled to impose charges on applications made for benefits to which they are legally entitled? Has he reversed his attitude?

Deputy Leyden, on my behalf, on 15 March told Deputy Sherlock that I was examining the matter. I have now considered the implications of the charges introduced and I am advised that there is no legal prohibition on their imposition.

Mr. allen:

It is outrageous that the Minister allows health boards to charge——

I am now moving to a number of Private Notice Questions concerning the seamen's strike.

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