Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1435. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the process of the recently announced review of hospital car park charges; the estimated date of completion; the details that relate to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32893/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March, I requested that the HSE carry out a review of hospital car parking charges, with the aim of establishing clear national guidelines in this area. The review will involve the relevant stakeholders and will take account of the income generated by charges, the impact of any reduction in car parking income on hospital services and the views of patient advocacy groups.
Following this, the HSE established a review group which first met in April 2018. The group is currently compiling information in relation to current charging arrangements countrywide. On 27 June 2018, the HSE held a public consultation forum with key stakeholders invited, including patient advocacy groups. The review group has been collecting information on current charges across the hospital network and meeting patient representatives and advocacy groups on this issue. Practice in other health service jurisdictions is also being researched as part of the review of charges. The HSE has advised that a daft report is due to be ready for consideration by September 2018.
