Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome the Minister to the House. I also very much welcome this legislation. It is groundbreaking and is fulfilling a clear commitment in the programme for Government. It is the right thing to do. It is a terrible situation when a child gets sick, and a mother or father must debate whether to bring the child to hospital for financial reasons. I do not think too many parents do that, but no parent should ever have to do it. The proposal contained in this Bill to eliminate inpatient hospital charges for young people under 16 years of age is very welcome. It will help as well with the cost-of-living situation the country faces.

I would like to see it increase to 18 years because, in most cases, young people between the ages of 16 and 18 are living at home and they are dependent on their parents. The circumstances of a child of 15 and a half compared to a child of 16 and a half are usually not too dissimilar. Perhaps at some future date the Minister might look at increasing the age threshold to 18. That would be very reasonable and fair. Perhaps there is a reason that it is 16 that I do not get. There may be an explanation that is covered under some other heading. It is welcome. It is progress. It is another incremental step in the right direction to universal healthcare for all, which is the commitment under Sláintecare. That must be welcomed.

I also very much welcome that the Minister took the opportunity presented by this legislation to introduce free contraception for 17- to 25-year olds. Again, that relates to a clear commitment in the programme for Government. It is a deliverable. We often hear about programmes for Government and how much has been delivered. This is a clear deliverable. It was agreed by the three parties and within two years of taking office the Minister has made it happen. It is very welcome. Again, a young woman should not be afraid to go to her GP to discuss contraception simply because she does not have the money.