Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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182. To ask the Minister for Health his views on general practitioners issuing direct refunds for Covid-19 tests for which they have already charged patients. [41665/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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An agreement was reached with GP representatives in March 2020 to ensure people who were experiencing coronavirus symptoms have access to free GP Covid-19 assessments and test referrals. The agreement was reviewed in June and expanded to ensure that arrangements are in place also for free GP Covid-19 assessments and test referrals outside of GP practice hours.

In September, the Government again approved the maintenance of support payments to GPs for the provision of remote and in-person Covid-19 consultations. In return, the public have continued access to Covid-19 related GP assessment, treatment, and testing referrals without charge.

If any patient believes he or she has been incorrectly charged by their GP for a Covid-19 assessment or test referral, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office who will investigate the issue.