John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that VHI members are receiving bills from consultants for top-up payments for some procedures and services, in addition to the payments being paid to those consultants by the VHI; the measures she proposes to end this practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12879/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the Voluntary Health Insurance Acts, the day to day operation of health insurance contracts offered by VHI Healthcare are, firstly, a matter for the company. Therefore, as Minister for Health and Children, I do not have any statutory or administrative role in such operations, when such contracts comply with the provisions of the Health Insurance Acts and related regulations.

Following enquiries, VHI Healthcare have indicated to me that every two years under the Full Cover Scheme, Hospital Consultants are offered a new agreement with VHI Healthcare whereby they agree to accept VHI's benefits in full settlement of their fees. The full cover scheme, which has been in operation for over 18 years, is currently supported by 99% of consultants. These agree to accept VHI's benefits as published in the Schedule of Benefits for Professional Fees, in full settlement of their fees for treating a patient. The twenty-two Consultants who have opted out of the scheme may or may not charge an additional fee to patients.