Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 658: To ask the Minister for Health the cost to the State of providing medical care for private patients in public beds in public hospitals. [22202/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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My Department has asked the HSE for the detailed information sought by the Deputy and I will be in further communication with him when it is to hand.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 659: To ask the Minister for Health the revenue raised by the State from fees charged to private health insurers and private individuals for the provision of medical treatment for private patients in public beds in public hospitals. [22203/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In the case of private patients occupying private beds in public hospitals, the income generated during 2010 amounted to €381 million, comprising €187m in the statutory hospitals and €194m in the voluntary and joint board hospitals. The figure in relation to the statutory hospitals is an audited figure taken from the HSE Annual Financial Statements, whereas the Voluntary Hospital numbers are subject to audit but would not be expected to differ in any material way.

Where private patients occupy public beds in public hospitals, no income is generated by the hospitals, with the exception of the €75 statutory inpatient charge. This charge applies to all patients, unless exempt, and hospitals do not break down the statutory charge between public and private patients. In 2010, €40m was raised in statutory inpatient charges.