Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

A response to a parliamentary question stated that the HSE paid debt collection agencies over €2.4 million in the last four years to collect money owed by patients such as €100 emergency department fees. Almost €600,000 was paid to debt collectors by the HSE in 2020. The HSE's use of a debt collection agency is an incredibly regressive measure, especially during a public emergency, particularly when it is going after people who have lost jobs and loved ones and who have been impacted by Covid-19. It is plainly and simply wrong. Does the Tánaiste believe the HSE should engage the use of private debt collection agencies to go after people, many of whom are not in a position to pay bills due to extenuating circumstances?

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