Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), John Brady has branded the suggestion that hospital parking charges should be increased as “absolutely scandalous”.
Under questioning from Deputy Brady, the Chairperson of the St James's Hospital Board made the suggestion at a meeting of the PAC on Thursday.
Teachta Brady said:
“My jaw was on the floor when I heard the suggestion from the Chairperson of the St James's Hospital Board.
“St. James’s already has among the highest level of charges in the state, with a daily cap of €15 – and they’re considering going higher?
“This isn’t just an issue that impacts patients of St. James’s, especially during a deep cost of living crisis.
“It’s even more remarkable when you consider that as far back as 2018, the then Minister for Health Simon Harris took on the issue of hospital parking charges and ordered a national review.
“A commitment was also made in the most recent Programme for Government to explore ways to reduce car parking charges.
“The Government’s foot-dragging on this over many years has left thousands of patients who regularly attend hospital seriously out of pocket.
“This particularly impacts people with cancer and other conditions that require frequent hospital attendance.
“The Minister for Health must act now to cap and reduce hospital parking charges.
“It is an important part of reducing the cost of healthcare and there should be no further delay.
“Sinn Féin has continuously provided for reducing and capping charges in our Alternative Budget.
“We are committed to finding a workable solution for abolishing parking charges for patients and significantly reducing the cost of healthcare in any way possible.”
ENDS