Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 2 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 4

Written Answers. - Doctors' Fees.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

71 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received complaints from bodies representing doctors that the fees for examining suspected drunk drivers are too low; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2586/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

General practitioners are paid fees in respect of a range of services of a criminological nature conducted at the request of the Garda Síochána. This includes fees for the taking of blood and urine samples in cases of alleged drunken driving.

Negotiations between the Irish Medical Organ isation and officials of my Department in relation to claims for increases in all fees and restructuring of fee schedules were concluded in late December. Revised fee schedules provide for substantial increases in the fees payable for the taking of blood and urine samples. The basic fee for day work is currently £50 while a fee of £80 is payable after hours. Previously, the fees ranged between £25.09 and £63.33 depending on the time of call-out.