Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

537. To ask the Minister for Health the revenue generated from car parking services in each public hospital in 2016; the purposes for which this money is used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4052/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is important to note that parking charges form part of a series of measures which ensure that the operational costs of providing parking services do not impact negatively on a hospital’s overall budget. The HSE advises that a number of hospitals use parking revenue solely for maintenance and re-investment in parking facilities, including repayment of loans obtained for upgrading such facilities and investment in security. The remainder of hospitals use parking revenue to cover the cost of parking services, with any additional income being used to contribute to the general hospital budget, or to fund research or specific patient facilities.

As demand for parking services at our hospitals increases, so too do the associated costs such as the initial capital costs of purchasing or renting parking areas; the cost of developing extra parking spaces; the need to provide and upgrade security systems in hospital car parks; staffing and general maintenance of parking services.

Obviously the costs in providing these services need to be recouped; provision of these services to visitors, staff and patients should not impact on hospital budgets intended to provide healthcare services to patients.

The HSE has advised that it does not have one single contract to provide parking services at all hospitals. Instead each hospital has a unique arrangement which reflects its specific circumstances. Some hospitals do not provide public car parks while a minority of others do not charge a car parking fee.

Hospitals which charge parking fees are very cognisant of the financial implications of parking costs for patients and their families particularly those with long-term illnesses. Consequently hospitals have introduced a maximum daily fixed parking charge, thus capping this expense. While there is no national HSE policy governing car park charges, the HSE advises that it keeps hospital parking charges under review.

In terms of the future development of our hospital system, we must take account of public transport services. This is evident in relation to the planned development of a new Children’s Hospital. By supporting the expansion of public transport facilities, we continue to provide more transportation choices to the public when visiting their loved ones in our hospitals.

In relation to the particular query regarding the revenue generated from car parking services in each public hospital in 2016, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly as this is a service matter.