Taoiseach defends 10% rise in A&E charges

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has defended the Government's decision to increase A&E charges by 10% as part of yesterday's budget.

Minister for Health Mary Harney confirmed last night that a visit to Accident and Emergency wards will now cost €66.

She said the rise was designed to encourage people to go to a GP rather than clogging up A&E units.

Mr Ahern was questioned in the Dáil today about why the move was mentioned in the budget speech, but he said it wasn't a taxation issue and therefore did not to be included.