End extortionate hospital car parking charges

It is time to put an end to extortionate hospital car parking charges, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central and the Party’s Health Spokesperson described the effect of expensive car park changes for people visiting someone who is ill in hospital, particularly those with long term illness.

Deputy Burke said: “Too many people are struggling to pay enormous hospital car parking bills in order to visit a family member or loved one who is ill. It is particularly relevant in the case of a long-term illness, causing these car parking bills to really add up. This is just not right, especially when you consider the stress and worry already visited upon these people and families whose loved one is in hospital, not to mention the other hidden costs of long-term illness.

“Fine Gael campaigned on this issue in the General Election and the Programme for Government includes our commitment to introduce a cap on the maximum daily charge for patients and visitors at all public hospitals where possible. There is also a commitment to introduce flexible passes in all public hospitals for patients and their families.

“We must press on with this now and ensure this cap is introduced as soon as possible to end this rip-off and give both patients and families a break,” Deputy Burke concluded.