Duncan Smith
Question:1288. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health what plans he has to address hospital parking charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28393/23]
View answerTuesday, 13 June 2023
Questions (1288, 1289)
Duncan Smith
Question:1289. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health what plans he has to address the high cost of parking near a Dublin hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28394/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1288 and 1289 together.
I am aware that hospitals that charge parking fees are very cognisant of the financial implications of parking costs for patients and their families, particularly for those with long-term illnesses.
Consequently, many hospitals have introduced a maximum daily fixed parking charge and reduced rate parking for long-term patients and visitors for whom the payment of the full rate would cause hardship.
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future, makes a commitment to introduce a maximum daily car parking charge for patients and visitors at all public hospitals, where possible, and to introduce flexible passes in all public hospitals for patients and their families. This is a reflection of the Government’s appreciation of the financial challenge that can be faced by people in meeting these expenses, in particular where they are frequent users of hospital services. Accordingly, my Department and the HSE are currently examining the issue.
Question No. 1289 answered with Question No. 1288.