Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I probably will not take the eight minutes. I am representing Senator Clifford-Lee, who is caught up with other engagements.My party and I welcome what the Minister is introducing today. I reference in particular the exemption from hospital charges for children under 16 years of age in all public hospitals, and for persons who have chosen to avail of private, acute inpatient services. We should not forget that there are many times when people might need to bring their child to a hospital and because of income barriers they make a choice not to do it. That can be quite upsetting. I come across this in my clinics quite a lot. The sum of €800 is a lot of money if one does not have it. That worries people. Many people will not throw caution to the wind. I would always say that a person should go to hospital and that we will sort out the bill some way, but many parents or guardians would not throw caution to the wind and go to the hospital because they would be worried about not being able to pay a bill. This is a very welcome move. I know the Minister is very much committed to ensuring that children's healthcare is free where we can possibly do so. Hospital charges have been issued to many parents. As the Minister said, public patients, including children, are subject to the acute inpatient charge of €80 per day, up to a maximum of €800 in a year, so it can be a big issue, in particular if one has to bring a child to hospital on an ongoing basis. While many hospitals and the Department are quite good in exceptional circumstances, the lack of a medical card for families can cause a financial strain.

I also welcome the amendment the Minister has introduced to provide a contraception scheme for women aged 17 to 25. He explained that very well here today. The important factor is that he has funded it and provided €9 million to get the scheme up and running. That is important. We can announce many issues, but if we do not fund them, they often do not benefit the public. This initiative is very welcome, and our party welcomes it.

I compliment the Minister and the Ministers of State, Deputies Rabbitte, Feighan and Butler, on the good work they are doing, not alone in women's healthcare but throughout the health service. We must remember that through all of this the Minister had to deal with Covid as well. It is good to see progress being made here today and the measures introduced by the Minister. It is also a very good day for women's health with the launch of our party's women's healthcare policy. We are the first political party in Ireland to do this. The event is taking place in Buswells Hotel at 3 p.m. today. The Minister is quite excited about that development.

On behalf of our party, I welcome what the Minister is doing here today. I look forward to further progress and to making my own recommendations to the Minister as we further develop a good healthcare system for people. We must acknowledge that many issues have been delayed because of Covid, but that is not stopping the Minister, the Ministers of State or their departmental officials from coming forward with such legislative measures and changes that are absolutely necessary as we move forward with healthcare in general.