Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will define a virtual bed and a virtual chair as is used for billing of private patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52338/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The current in-patient charges are provided for by Section 55 of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). These charges are levied in respect of each day or part of a day during which in-patient services are availed of in respect of private, semi-private and day-care accommodation in public hospitals. These rates are set out in the following table.

The private in-patient daily charge of €75, subject to a maximum payment of €750 in any period of 12 consecutive months also applies.