Darragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason patients with haemochromatosis who visit Beaumont Hospital regularly for venesection are being charged €60 per procedure when the same procedure undertaken in St. James's Hospital, Dublin is available free of charge; if there are plans to remove this charge in Beaumont; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11365/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In relation to the issue of charges for venesection services in Beaumont Hospital, my Department contacted the Health Service Executive in July last year requesting a review of current charging practices and variances in treatment provision in all hospital locations in order that there would be a standardised approach across the hospital sector.

My Department contacted the HSE again in February 2008 expressing concern that it appeared that vensesection services were still being provided in an inconsistent manner amongst hospitals and requesting that the issue be addressed as soon as possible. As soon as I receive a reply from the HSE on this matter I will revert to the Deputy.