Written answers

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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1341. To ask the Minister for Health the reason patients are being requested to pay for Covid-19 tests; and the measures that have been undertaken with health insurance companies in relation to the charge. [22220/20]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to testing, the HSE has developed guidance for the management of planned hospital admissions for non-COVID care which sets out advisory testing strategies for hospital patients. This guidance seeks to provide an advisory framework for mitigating risks associated with the delivery of non-COVID care while COVID-19 continues to be prevalent, and testing provides one of a number of measures that can be taken to reduce risk.

As with any procedure or test, there will be a cost. As Minister for Health, I do not have any responsibility for private hospitals, including in relation to charges that they apply to their patients.

However, it is my understanding that the three main health insurers have reached agreement with the majority of private hospital facilities regarding charges for pre-admission COVID-19 testing, while continuing to work with those providers who they have not yet finalised agreements with. The aim is to ensure agreements are in place so that health insurance customers will not be charged for pre-admission COVID tests.

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1342. To ask the Minister for Health the number of staff needed per week for Covid-19 testing and for contact tracing, respectively in order to reach a full testing capacity of 100,000 per week; the permanent staffing level for Covid-19 testing and for contact tracing, respectively; the details of recruitment plans for staff in testing and tracing separately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22253/20]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

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