Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the instructions hospitals were issued with for the collection of €60 for persons without a doctors' letter presenting to accident and emergency departments; if patients are generally seen prior to the collection of fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3368/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The charge of €60 for attendance at a public accident and emergency departments is provided for in SI 37 of 1994, as amended. This provides for a number of exemptions from that charge including medical card holders and persons who have a letter of referral from a registered medical practitioner. I understand that people attending public accident and emergency departments can either pay at the time or have the bill for the charge issued subsequently.