Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013
596. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the way he will achieve the charging of all private patients in public hospitals; if he will outline the steps and legislation needed to achieve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2441/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2013, it has been indicated that legislative proposals will be brought to Government that will provide for charges to be collected from private in-patients who are not occupying a private designated bed. This charge will be phased in over a number of years to mitigate the impact on the private health insurance market. It is envisaged that new charges will be implemented in mid-2013 and will yield additional €60m in 2013. The details of the legislative changes are being worked on by my Department at present. In the meantime, the maintenance charges for private in-patients in public hospitals remain unchanged.
