Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 383: To ask the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary was charged €100 when she attended the accident and emergency unit having been referred by a nurse; the reason she was told she would have to attend her general practitioner prior to attending the accident and emergency unit to avoid paying €100; the reason she would have had to attend a general practitioner when she had seen a nurse who informed her that her life was in danger and that she needed to go immediately to the accident and emergency unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38419/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The current statutory out-patient charge i.e. the A&E charge, is provided for by the Health (Out-Patient Charges) Regulations 1994 (as amended). The A&E charge is currently €100 per visit subject to exemptions set out in these regulations, including medical card holders and those who have a letter of referral from a registered medical practitioner. As nurses are not registered medical practitioners, a letter of referral from a nurse does not entitle the holder to an exemption from the A&E charge.