Written Answers Nos. 143-150
143. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the State of the introduction of free allied health professional care for all citizens, specifically for physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. [9504/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is not readily available.
144. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the State of providing free access to all prescribed medicines for all citizens. [9505/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible to provide data on the full cost to the State of providing free access to all prescribed medicines for all citizens as neither the Department or the HSE collects data on the level of private spending that is incurred by individuals purchasing medications.
Data is however available on the cost to the State of providing medicines for the GMS and community drugs schemes. In 2014 the cost of medicines for these schemes was €1.702 billion which includes the ingredient cost and appropriate fees but is net of manufacturers rebate income. Additionally the revenue associated with the prescription charge would be foregone if free access to all prescribed medicines was provided for all citizens. In 2014 the prescription charge income is projected to be €120 million.
146. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the current cost to the State of providing free general practitioner care for those with medical cards. [9507/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2014, the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service made payments in the region of €423 million under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme to GP contract holders in respect of medical card and GP visit card holders.
147. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the current cost to the State of providing free access to all prescribed medicines for those with medical cards. [9508/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2014 the cost of medicines for the medical card scheme was €1.253 billion which includes the ingredient cost and appropriate fees but is net of manufacturers rebate income. Additionally the revenue associated with the prescription charge would be foregone if free access to all prescribed medicines was provided for those with medical cards. In 2014 the prescription charge income is projected to be €120 million.
148. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the current spending on acute hospital services, including across our public hospital network and through the national treatment purchase fund. [9509/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up with them.
149. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the affect that removing any subsidy from private health insurance, both in terms of taxation and reduced hospital charges, would have on premia for those buying private health insurance; the effect this may have on the numbers taking up PHI, and the consequent increased cost to the public system that would result from higher levels of patients using the public system. [9510/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the issue of taxation is a matter for the Minister for Finance. The private health insurers operate in a competitive market, and the premiums charged for private health insurance policies is a commercial decision for each private health insurance company.
Under the Health Insurance Act 1970, everyone who is ordinarily resident in Ireland qualifies for public hospital care. Notwithstanding this, 43.9% of the Irish population has private health insurance and many people opt to be treated privately. The Irish hospital system contains a mix of public and private hospitals, with public hospitals treating both public and private patients. On admittance to a public hospital, patients make a choice to be treated by a medical consultant on a public basis, or to waive their right to public treatment and be treated on a private basis.
It is not known how many persons who previously held private health insurance will subsequently present for treatment in a public hospital in a future period of time, nor is it possible to predict with any certainty how many people will choose instead to be treated as a public patient, as they are fully entitled to do.
150. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will outline current medical phone helpline provision, whereby members of the public may discuss symptoms with medical staff; and his plans to increase such services. [9511/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
