Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
593. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked 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]
Amharc ar fhreagraPatient 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.
Other charges remain in place; these include:
• Out-patient charges.
• In-patient charges.
• Long-term stay charges.
Certain cohorts of people may be exempt from some or all of these 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.
