Bernard Allen
Ceist:268 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce legislation to regulate the level of consultants' fees, as many of these fees are outside the financial reach of persons seeking medical care.
Written Answers. - Consultants' Fees.
The Deputy will be aware that since July 1991 persons treated as public patients in hospitals are not liable for payment of consultants fees. It is only when patients choose to be treated on a private basis that consultants fees are payable.
The Voluntary Health Insurance Board is negotiating at present with the medical organisations to extend the Board's full cover scheme in respect of fees. I think it would be prudent to await the completion of these negotiations before determining what further action, if any, may be desirable in this matter.