Menu
25/09/2019
Irish Hospitals Must Stop Using Debt Recovery Agencies - SF
Reports of Irish hospitals hiring debt collection agencies to recoup unpaid bills from patients has been described as "harrowing" by Sinn Féin President, Mary Lou McDonald.
Raising the issue in the Dáil, Ms McDonald said that reports state that hospitals have spent over half a million euro on debt collection agencies last year, with patients making reports and complaints to HSE of harassment, threats and strong-arm tactics.
Ms McDonald continued: "The Minister for Health must make an urgent statement to the Dáil on these harrowing reports of debt collection agencies, employed by our hospitals, using harassment, threats and strong-arm tactics to frighten patients.
"These are vulnerable people, people recovering from illness or dealing with the illness of a child or other loved one. The reported behaviour of these agencies is disgusting and completely unacceptable.
"No hospital in Ireland should be engaging debt collection agencies, especially not agencies that intimidate sick people who may be in serious financial distress.
"Irish hospitals should stop using these agencies immediately."
(MH/CM)
Raising the issue in the Dáil, Ms McDonald said that reports state that hospitals have spent over half a million euro on debt collection agencies last year, with patients making reports and complaints to HSE of harassment, threats and strong-arm tactics.
Ms McDonald continued: "The Minister for Health must make an urgent statement to the Dáil on these harrowing reports of debt collection agencies, employed by our hospitals, using harassment, threats and strong-arm tactics to frighten patients.
"These are vulnerable people, people recovering from illness or dealing with the illness of a child or other loved one. The reported behaviour of these agencies is disgusting and completely unacceptable.
"No hospital in Ireland should be engaging debt collection agencies, especially not agencies that intimidate sick people who may be in serious financial distress.
"Irish hospitals should stop using these agencies immediately."
(MH/CM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 June 2013
FF Publishes Bill To Regulate Debt Collectors
Fianna Fáil has published a Bill to regulate debt collectors and stamp out criminal practices in the sector. The proposals, introduced by the party's Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins, include the establishment of an open register of debt collectors, a code of conduct for all operators and a ban on people with violent criminal convictions.
FF Publishes Bill To Regulate Debt Collectors
Fianna Fáil has published a Bill to regulate debt collectors and stamp out criminal practices in the sector. The proposals, introduced by the party's Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins, include the establishment of an open register of debt collectors, a code of conduct for all operators and a ban on people with violent criminal convictions.
15 December 2022
New NI Debt Respite Scheme Under Consideration
The Department for Communities has issued a call for evidence to explore the establishment of a debt respite scheme in Northern Ireland. The primary aim of the pre-consultation is to build on evidence already gathered and source further insight from the debt advice sector, creditors and individuals on the scale of problem debt locally.
New NI Debt Respite Scheme Under Consideration
The Department for Communities has issued a call for evidence to explore the establishment of a debt respite scheme in Northern Ireland. The primary aim of the pre-consultation is to build on evidence already gathered and source further insight from the debt advice sector, creditors and individuals on the scale of problem debt locally.
14 February 2013
Three Irish Universities Using Debt Collection Agencies
Three Irish universities are using debt collection agencies to try and recover outstanding student fees, the Irish Independent has revealed. Dublin City University (DCU), UCD and University of Limerick are all using the agencies, according to the newspaper.
Three Irish Universities Using Debt Collection Agencies
Three Irish universities are using debt collection agencies to try and recover outstanding student fees, the Irish Independent has revealed. Dublin City University (DCU), UCD and University of Limerick are all using the agencies, according to the newspaper.
27 February 2020
Sinn Féin Call For All-Ireland Approach To Threat Of Coronavirus
Sinn Féin have called for an all-Ireland approach to dealing with the threat of the Coronavirus. Making the call, spokesperson on Health Louise O'Reilly said: "The possibility of a positive case of Coronavirus on the island cannot be discounted.
Sinn Féin Call For All-Ireland Approach To Threat Of Coronavirus
Sinn Féin have called for an all-Ireland approach to dealing with the threat of the Coronavirus. Making the call, spokesperson on Health Louise O'Reilly said: "The possibility of a positive case of Coronavirus on the island cannot be discounted.
13 September 2011
FF To Tackle Household Debt
The two-day Fianna Fail (FF) strategy meeting continues today with the party leader promising to address household debt. In the new Dail term the party has said they will make a move on creating legislation and a statutory body that will renegotiate household debt for families who are overwhelmed by repayments.
FF To Tackle Household Debt
The two-day Fianna Fail (FF) strategy meeting continues today with the party leader promising to address household debt. In the new Dail term the party has said they will make a move on creating legislation and a statutory body that will renegotiate household debt for families who are overwhelmed by repayments.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A dry mostly sunny and warm day. Cloud in the east will clear during the morning leaving the afternoon sunny but cooler in the onshore easterly breeze. Maximum temperature 19 °C.Tonight:The night will continue dry with long bright or clear periods. Patchy cloud will thicken across eastern parts at times towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
