Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Department went on to say the information provided by the post-polio support group would be very helpful in that regard. However, we have examples of 19 pieces of equipment, priced in late August and September of this year, where the average differential in price is over 40%, and up to 100% in some cases. When we talk to people who must sit in wheelchairs and conduct their lives as best they can, we find they are being ripped off. However, the HSE, the Department of Health and Children and the Government are not investigating why this happens.

Will the Taoiseach tell us that he will ask the Competition Authority to investigate this rip-off system? If we apply the difference in prices spent on mobility equipment here, it means that over the past number of years over €40 million has been paid out, €16 million of which could have been used for extra benefits and facilities. It is clear that a rip-off is occurring in this area. The Taoiseach is being advised by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, who has said the idea that rip-offs are taking place in the tourism sector is a myth.

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