97 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the services organised and provided for medical card holders; if all services should be provided free; the reason a €60 charge is being levied for a dexa scan in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; if same should be free even if arranged within the private clinic by public services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3056/11]

A person with full eligibility who opts to be treated as a public patient in a public hospital should not be charged. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.