Written answers

Tuesday, 26 May 2009

Department of Health and Children

Health Service Staff

10:00 pm

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the reduction of payments to health professionals as outlined in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21333/09]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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On 29 April 2009, I announced reductions in fees payable to certain health professionals in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. The professionals involved include general practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, ophthalmologists, optometrists and dispensing opticians who hold contracts with the HSE. Professionals who render services on behalf of the National Cancer Screening Service Board under a contract for the provision of smear taking as part of the National Cervical Screening Programme and consultant psychiatrists who participate in the Mental Health Tribunal process are also included. My decisions had regard to the outcome of a public consultation process undertaken by my Department including consideration of written and oral submissions made by the main representative bodies for the professionals involved.

I have made Regulations under the Act, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, to give effect to the fee reductions in the case of dentists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, dispensing opticians, smeartakers and psychiatrists. The Regulations relating to general practitioners and pharmacists are being prepared and I expect them to be made shortly.

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