Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I agree with Deputy Burke and we will try to do that. Not just during Covid, but during Storm Éowyn we saw the real value of local groups, hubs and services. With my other hat of rural and community development, I am working within the Department on supporting those local hubs and services.

The timing of hospital appointments frustrates me. Even if a person was able to use public transport, the timing of a hospital appointment in Galway or any regional centre does not often reflect where that person has to travel from. More work can be done in facilitating people who are in a position to use public transport to use it, or even those with their own transport not to have to come in during rush hour, adding to the stress of the appointment.

Regarding the specific case, I am happy to work with Deputy Conway-Walsh's office. We may be able to look at an additional needs payment or some sort of support because nobody should have to make a choice like that between protecting her health and getting essential healthcare and having the food that is essential to that health. If the Deputy gives me the details, we will be more than happy to work with her on this.

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