Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 959: To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that medical card holders are being asked for payments in respect of respite care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23791/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Health (Amendment) Act 2005 and the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 2005, as subsequently amended, provide the legislative basis for charges, and related exemptions, for in-patient services where such services are provided for in excess of 30 days over a 12 month period. The legislation provides for two different classes of person for the purpose of levying a charge. Class 1 refers to persons in receipt of in-patient services on premises where nursing care is provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. Class 2 refers to persons in receipt of in-patient services where nursing care is not provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. The current schedule of charges is set out by the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2011. Under the legislation, the Health Service Executive may waive or reduce the charges to avoid undue financial hardship.