Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last week I raised the issue of patients using private hospitals who are being charged fees for Covid-19 testing. I also told the Taoiseach about a constituent of mine whose daughter is getting chemotherapy and has to pay €250 per session. The Taoiseach gave a commitment that himself and the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, would look into the situation. He used a very strong word and said that no private hospital should be profiteering. I agree with him. I got a phone call yesterday from another constituent of mine. She went to a private hospital which I will not name and she has to go for an operation on 27 July. The consultant told her yesterday she might need as many as three Covid tests. Can I go back to my constituent and tell her not to worry, that the fee will not be there on 27 July? The Taoiseach made a commitment last week. Did he or the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, or anybody tackle or visit the private hospitals to do away with this fee?

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