I wish to raise the issue of car parking charges that are still in place for cancer patients at some hospitals. In May 2018, the then Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, called for a review of hospitals' car parking charges. It is my understanding that there has been no progress since then, but it is an issue that puts considerable stress on cancer patients and their families. At a time when they are already facing significant difficulties and challenges, families having to rush to the car park to move cars in order to avoid charges causes unnecessary stress. There is inconsistency in this.

We see the same inconsistency in the restrictions applied by maternity hospitals. Many hospitals have cruel and harsh restrictions. Women who are giving birth to babies are not allowed to have their partners with them.

The Deputy is straying. She can raise only one matter.

There is inconsistency in our hospitals.

Time is up.

I want to ask-----

No, please. Time is up, Deputy.

-----whether the Government will abolish car parking charges for cancer patients.

I acknowledge that car parking charges in hospitals can be a burden on people, sometimes at what is a vulnerable time for them. Practices vary around the country. Some hospitals are, I believe, accommodating and have systems in place for frequent visitors, family members and so on, but that is not uniform. The Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, is taking an interest in this issue and will revert to the Deputy directly on it.