asked the Minister for Health if the examination of the decision of certain health boards to introduce charges for hospital services cards and Form E 111, which he indicated in Dáil Éireann on 15 March 1988 was underway, has yet been completed; if not, when it is expected to be completed; if any instructions have been issued to health boards pending the completion of this examination; in particular, whether it is appropriate that students travelling to other European countries on student exchange programmes should be charged for E 111 forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Hospital Services Charges.
29.
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. I am aware that in the case of student travel the health boards adopt a flexible approach in their imposition.