Hospital parking for cancer patients
Deputies sought free or capped hospital parking, especially for cancer patients and families, and the Tánaiste said he was sympathetic but noted equity issues for other patients and the fact that some car parks are privately operated.
I started out with a long list of Deputies wanting to speak and we have run out of time. There are seven people left. If the Tánaiste is willing, I am prepared to go through them all very quickly but they will not have a minute each. If Deputies are ready to ask their questions as quickly as they can, I will call those who remain on the list. I am asking Deputies just to put their question and no more. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Comment on this
The Irish Cancer Society is asking for car parking fees to be waived for those receiving cancer treatment. I received notice from the Department of Health pointing out that the programme for Government contains a commitment in respect of introducing a cap on the maximum daily charge for patients and visitors at all public hospitals, where possible-----
Comment on this
On the same subject, the programme for Government includes an undertaking to look at putting caps on parking fees in public hospitals for patients, their families and visitors. Will the Government not consider abolishing such charges altogether? People are frustrated and find it very unjust-----
Comment on this
I am only allowing Deputies to put their questions. I do not mean to cut people short but I ask that they just put their questions. We are way over time.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputies. I am certainly sympathetic to the proposal that car parking should be free for cancer patients. Everyone in this House would be sympathetic to that, although it raises the obvious question of what should happen for people receiving treatments for illnesses other than cancer. Why would they have to pay and others would not? There would be an inequity in that which would have to be considered. We also need to bear in mind that not all car parks are owned by the hospitals. Some are privately owned and operated and, in some cases, parking charges are there to make sure people do not use the car parks for commuting purposes or to access nearby bus or train stations. All of those issues need to be considered in the round but the Government plan is to bring in a cap on the fees.