Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly PA
Cost of Living

Plan to abolish public hospital charges to come before Cabinet later

Currently patients can face a charge of €80 per day with an annual cap of a maximum of 10 days costing €800.

THE HEALTH MINISTER is seeking approval today to abolish public hospital charges.

Stephen Donnelly is bringing the proposal to Cabinet today to legislate for the change.

Currently patients can face a charge of €80 per day with an annual cap of a maximum of 10 days costing €800.

If successful, Donnelly hopes they can be removed by April.  

The plan to scrap the fees were included as part of the government’s Budget measures in response to the cost-of-living crisis.

Children under 16 had fees for their hospital care abolished last year.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio One this morning, Donnelly said the cost of measure is around €30 million euro.

“The Irish Cancer Society has been advocating for this for years,” he said.

He said patients “facing serious treatment who are very sick are also being handed a bill of €800 euro”, adding that he is hoping to receive support from Cabinet colleagues today.

“I’d like to bring it through the Oireachtas then in March and have it in place in April,” he told the Morning Ireland programme.

Additional reporting by Christina Finn

Your Voice
Readers Comments
26
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel