Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a reasonable expectation that people who can pay for services should pay. Having said that, I do not agree with the type of behaviour about which the Deputy has spoken. There is a need for compassion. People's personal circumstances need to be accounted for. This type of heavy-handed approach is not acceptable. There are those, however, who can pay but will not pay. Some patients also opt for private inpatient services in public hospitals and are liable for a range of private accommodation charges, from which there are no exemptions. We have increased medical card limits in order that many more people can avail of medical cards. We have also introduced free GP care for the under-sixes and over-70s to assist families with medical costs. However, I will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister for Health.

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