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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hospital Charges.

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

471 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the savings which will accrue to his Department in 2000 as a consequence of the increased charges imposed by him for private beds in public hospitals in each health board. [1803/00]

No savings will accrue to my Department following the increase in private and semi-private accommodation charges which came into effect on 1 January last. However, it is estimated that the increase in charges will provide additional income to public hospitals of about £7 million in 2000 and will ensure a higher approved budget than would be the case if the charges had not been increased. This additional income will therefore contribute, along with a record funding provision made available by my Department, to the substantial improvements in the health services being put in place this year.

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