Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 238: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the variations in charges for private consultations; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that charges for a ear, nose and throat specialist in Dublin can be as high as €250 while in Cork charges are €100; if rising costs for specialists will be curbed in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3022/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As Minister for Health and Children I have no function regarding the setting of charges by consultants in respect of their private practice. This is a matter for individual consultants. In common with Ministers for Health in most countries, I am concerned at rising health care costs, whether funded by the State or by individual contributions, and believe increases should be kept within reason.