Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I have worked in the health service for many years and I know there are many crutches needed in the health service. I suggest there should be a more appropriate means of raising funds without putting a tax on people who can least afford to pay it. This charge would be levied on people who are already at a disadvantage, even a charge of 50 cent. This is not about the level of the charge; it is the fact that vulnerable people who are already feeling perhaps low or depressed or sick or just not well, are being charged a charge which, rightfully, should not be levied on them.

In my work as a midwife I am aware of the high costs associated with some treatment programmes, for instance, the treatment of endometriosis can cost more than €700 a month. I speak sensitively because quite a number of pharmaceutical companies are located in south Tipperary and they provide significant local employment. I do not speak against companies but I suggest if the Minister is proposing to levy a charge on the end-users who are already suffering disadvantage, it seems extraordinary that this cost could not be charged elsewhere, by some means. The Minister is most innovative in how she is able to broker agreements or disagreements so there should be some better means of covering this cost so that it is not levied against the disadvantaged.

This measure may have an implication for prescribing practice and I agree. Patients will know a drug with a different name has the same effect and qualified people can offer advice in this regard. Has the economic cost of private patients in public hospitals been analysed? Has the role of tax-reliefs been examined? How much is being expended on the National Treatment Purchase Fund? I await the Minister's response to these questions.

With reference to crutches, I used this as an example. I note that walking aids or commodes are often left in houses when the user has passed away or as a result of other changing circumstances. As I do my clinics, door to door, I am very aware that many people could benefit from-----