John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I will not reiterate all of the points. There is the specific concern with regard to some cancers about the longevity of the treatment and that it is over a protracted period of time. I indicated quite clearly that for some people it means taking time out of work. They are on reduced or no income depending on what they have. They probably do not have critical illness insurance or private health insurance. At the very same time, they have medical expenses. It is not just the direct medical expenses but the incidentals, including, as I stated earlier, car parking charges. They mount up for those attending and who require ongoing regular treatment over an extended period. If they have private health insurance, are affluent or in work it is different but there is a cohort of people who require fairly intensive treatment over an extensive period and their ability to meet these charges is quite restricted.

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