Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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533. To ask the Minister for Health the justification for a patient with private health insurance being asked to authorise a hospital to charge their private insurance provider for a private room, even though they may be staying in a public ward in the event of a private room not being available, and that they would be admitted to a public ward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6423/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Anyone who is ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to access hospital services as a public patient. When a patient is admitted to hospital, they have the option of whether they wish to be treated privately or publicly.

Should a patient opt to be treated privately, this does not necessarily include access to single or limited occupancy wards as access to accommodation is based on clinical need.

Hospitals charge for private in-patient services under section 55 of the Health Act. Private health insurance coverage includes the amounts payable under section 55 and consultant professional fees.