Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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172. To ask the Minister for Health if he will reduce the accident and emergency charge for self-presenters to urgent care centres in view of the need to encourage the public to attend an urgent care centre thereby taking the pressure off overburdened accident and emergency departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48463/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The A&E charge which is currently €100, is provided for by the Health (Out-Patient Charges) Regulations 2013. The charge applies to persons attending Emergency Departments, Accident and Emergency Departments, Casualty Departments, Minor Injury Units, Urgent Care Centres, Local Injury Units or any other facility providing similar services, 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.

I have no plans to reduce these charges for those attending Urgent Care Centres.