Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I had not heard that before but it is a good point. I will take a look at it. Part of the charge to attend the accident and emergency department is to encourage people to attend their GP first, which many people do but some do not. One could argue that if somebody goes to a community pharmacist, public health nurse or a physician before being referred to the accident and emergency department, there should not be a charge. I see the Deputy's point but at the same time, opticians are not qualified to diagnose eye conditions. I will give the matter some thought as I see the point being made. It cannot be addressed in this Bill.