The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, today announced that the Government has approved publication of the Health (Exemptions from Charges for Acute In-Patient Services) Bill 2022, paving the way for the abolition of both overnight and day case public in-patient charges for children less than 16 years of age in all public hospitals.
Announcing the Cabinet decision to approve the publication of this legislation, Minister Donnelly said: “I am delighted to announce that today I have received Government approval to publish this important Bill. This legislation, when enacted, will ease the financial burden of parents/guardians when bringing their child to hospital for in-patient care.”
The Minister for Health also received Government approval today to bring a Committee Stage amendment to the Health (Exemptions from Charges for Acute In-Patient Services) Bill 2022 which will insert provisions to provide for the free contraception scheme for women aged 17-25.
The Minister added: “I am also delighted to be able to progress improvements in access to contraception. The proposed contraception amendment aims to remove cost barriers to contraception for women aged 17-25, which will be particularly significant for those who are just above the means tested limits for medical and GP visit cards, or who may still be in full time education and financially dependent on parents and guardians.”
The Health (Exemptions from Charges for Acute In-Patient Services) Bill 2022 will be published in the coming days and is expected to commence in the Dáil shortly thereafter.