Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the House to discuss this all-important Bill and for introducing this measure. It is all about the cost of living for families and making sure they can afford to meet their costs. As the Minister knows, there are many issues in Limerick where a lot of people are staying away from hospitals. This Bill will encourage people and will help families by reducing costs. The cost of healthcare for some families has been severe, especially for families with cancer care patients. I compliment, as the Minister has done, the Irish Cancer Society and its team, including Averil Power, on the work they have done working with the Minister to bring forward these proposals. It is positive, as are the free contraception scheme and the measures on assisted reproduction. Many families found those to be prohibitive costs and I compliment the Minister on that.

The provision of the cystic fibrosis drug is very welcome. I have been working with a number of families who were concerned about it. I thank the Minister on their behalf.

The removal of the €80 charge per day, which could amount to a maximum of €800 per annum, is most welcome because people are finding the cost of living hard. The reduction in outpatient charges is also welcome. I wish the Minister all the best with the Bill. The Government is committed to reducing costs for families, which is what the Bill does.