Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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Deputy Michael McGrath has raised a valid point. I hear the Minister's concerns on the matter. In the real world many people go to the physiotherapist for necessary treatment but do not go through a GP. Requiring them to go through a GP costs them €40, €50 or €60 depending on which part of the country the person is in. That is the cost simply to be referred for physiotherapy. People involved in sports and so on regularly seek treatment but are unable to benefit from the relief. Will the tax relief make a difference to them in terms of whether they seek treatment? It is in place for a reason. It is in place because it is medical care. It is there for a reason. I think there is a strong argument in this regard.