Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 161: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if €630 will be refunded to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [23409/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The €630 amount constitutes an excess charge, the level of insurance held by the person not being sufficient to provide full cover for services at the hospital concerned. The level of health insurance cover that a person takes out with an insurer is a personal choice. Where a person avails of services not covered by their insurance plan they are liable for any additional costs that arise. It is not open to my Department nor the Health Service Executive to cover such costs. Persons may qualify for tax relief on unreimbursed medical expenses. Any application should be made to the Revenue Commissioners.

The accommodation and related care issues outlined in the details supplied relate to services provided to a private patient in a private hospital. Such services are provided on the basis of a private contract between the two parties, the patient as the service user and the hospital as the service provider. The Department of Health and Children has no role in this relationship. Any difficulties experienced should be resolved between the two parties involved. The Deputy may wish to contact the hospital directly in relation to those issues.