Written answers
Tuesday, 7 October 2025
Department of Health
Hospital Charges
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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591. To ask the Minister for Health the total amount paid by HSE-run hospitals to debt collection agencies in each of the past five years, by hospital group; and to explain the Department's oversight role in approving or monitoring such expenditure. [53094/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Department has an oversight role in monitoring and reporting on HSE expenditure, including monitoring compliance with budget and ensuring that funding is used to deliver the services intended. The Department has no role in sanctioning individual expenditure items of this nature. As the amounts paid for the use of debt collection agencies is an operational matter, this PQ has been referred to the Health Services Executive for direct response to the deputy.
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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592. To ask the Minister for Health the total amount of patient debt referred to debt collection agencies in the same period; the proportion of this debt that was successfully recovered; and whether her Department has conducted a cost-benefit analysis of this practice. [53095/25]
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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593. To ask the Minister for Health her Department's current policy on the use of private debt collection firms by public hospitals, including whether such arrangements require Departmental approval or follow centrally issued guidance. [53096/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Patient charges are an element of the overall funding envelope of the Irish health system. Some charges have been abolished in recent years, for example:
- Public hospital inpatient charges.
- Emergency Department charges.
- Out-patient charges.
- In-patient charges.
- Long-term stay charges.
In addition, patients who opt for private in-patient services in public hospitals are liable for a range of private in-patient charges. There are no exemptions from these charges.
Non collection of debts owed directly impacts on the affordability of services provided by the HSE in any year. It is therefore incumbent on the HSE to take all reasonable steps to pursue amounts owed for services delivered. Debt collection agencies are engaged when normal billing arrangements have been unsuccessful.
The operational detail of this question is a matter for the HSE and I have asked them to respond to you directly in relation to that detail.
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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594. To ask the Minister for Health the safeguards in place to ensure that vulnerable patients, such as those on low incomes or with long-term illnesses, are not subject to aggressive debt-collection practices by HSE hospitals. [53097/25]
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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595. To ask the Minister for Health whether her Department has examined the approach in other EU countries with universal health systems in relation to pursuing unpaid hospital charges; and to indicate whether reforms are under consideration to reduce reliance on private debt collectors. [53098/25]
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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596. To ask the Minister for Health whether her Department intends to publish an annual report detailing hospital debts, recovery rates and payments made to collection firms, in the interests of transparency and public accountability. [53099/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 594 to 596, inclusive, together.
Patient charges are an element of the funding for the Irish health system. Charges have not been increased in recent years despite inflation. Furthermore, hospital Inpatient charges were abolished in 2023.
Remaining charges include those for Emergency Department, Outpatient and Injury Units. Exemptions do apply for Medical Card holders and patients eligible under various criteria.
The operation of hospital charges and collection of same is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Non collection of charges directly impacts affordability of services provided by the HSE. Therefore, it is incumbent on the HSE to take all reasonable steps to look for amounts owed.
In case of difficulty paying a hospital bill, the regulations allow an instalment arrangement to be agreed.
Debt collection agencies are only engaged when normal billing arrangements have not been successful.
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