Terence Flanagan
Ceist:912 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding mental health services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26799/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 6 June 2012
Ceisteanna (907)
Freagraí scríofa
The Irish Public Health System provides for two categories of eligibility for persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e. full eligibility (medical cardholders) and limited eligibility (all others). Full eligibility is determined mainly by reference to income limits. Determination of an individual's eligibility status is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive.
Persons with full eligibility are entitled to a range of services including general practitioner services, prescribed drugs and medicines, all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including, inter alia, mental health services and all out-patient public hospital services including inter alia, mental health services. Such mental health services are available from a day hospital operated by the HSE in the area concerned.
The mental health service referred to by the Deputy is a private service and therefore is outside the scope of the Health Acts. Any person opting to obtain mental health services as a private patient is liable for any private fees involved.