Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Scanlon and Curran for the question. Significant progress has been made over a number of years and over the lifetime of successive Governments in dealing with cancer treatment, with significantly improving survival rates in our country. The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 aims to build on the progress already made, with improved cancer prevention, diagnostics, treatment and aftercare support. The Irish Cancer Society made a significant input into the drawing up of the strategy and plays a very positive role in supporting people affected by cancer, for which I thank it.

While I appreciate the sentiment behind the society's campaign on hospital charges, making exemptions to these charges on the basis of illness or treatment risks creating inequity within the system.

The statutory co-payment, which is capped at a level that is not large relative to the true cost of providing hospital services, represents an important contribution towards hospitals' operating costs. While the overall charges are subject to ongoing review, we all need to be honest with each other about the significant financial implications their overall abolition would have.

In budget 2019 the Government decided to prioritise the extension of the GP visit card income thresholds, the reduction in the drug payment scheme monthly threshold and the reduction in the prescription charges for those aged over 70 with a medical card. The Sláintecare implementation strategy commits to consider all existing charges in the context of the annual budgetary process and this will allow for priorities to be determined in reviewing and considering the scope for a reduction in charges.

I would rather see a situation where we reduce charges overall than a situation whereby we pick a reduction based on disease or condition. While a strong case can be made, as the Irish Cancer Society did, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, cystic fibrosis and other conditions could equally make the case. We are on a road of reform with Sláintecare that is committed to reducing further inpatient charges and the fact the current charges are capped at a maximum of €800 in any period of 12 months is the roadmap to use. The Department will review eligibility and charges as part of our Sláintecare implementation and I will certainly consider it in this context.

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