Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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It is not possible to comment on individual procedures without knowing the circumstances and clinical decisions involved. And as Minister for Health, I have no role in the commercial decisions of any health insurer.

The charges that apply for a private patient in a public setting are subject to the Health (Amendment) Act 2013 while the charges that apply in a private setting are the subject of negotiation between the health insurer and the health service provider. It should be noted that in our community-rated health insurance market, an individual's premium will not be affected by their own claims history.

The Government is committed to enhancing primary and community care, in line with international evidence showing that care should take place in an appropriate setting at the level of lowest complexity.  However, it is not always possible for care to take place in a GP setting.