Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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410. To ask the Minister for Health if there are car park subsidies for persons in receipt of social welfare payments and attending hospitals to visit a sick relative. [27930/18]

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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411. To ask the Minister for Health if there are car park subsidies for persons attending regular hospital appointments. [27931/18]

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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412. To ask the Minister for Health if there are car park subsidies for persons whose loved ones are in hospital long term. [27932/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 410 to 412, inclusive, together.

I am advised that hospitals which charge parking fees are cognisant of the financial implications parking costs can have on patients and their families, particularly those with long-term illnesses. Some hospitals have introduced a maximum daily fixed parking charge, thus capping this expense. I understand that some hospitals also provide reduced rate parking for long-term patients and visitors for whom the payment of the full rate would cause hardship.

In March, I requested the HSE to carry out a review of hospital car parking charges, with the aim of establishing clear national guidelines in this area. The review will involve a wide range of stakeholders and will take account of the views of patient advocacy groups, the income generated by charges and the impact of any reduction in car parking income on hospital services. This review is ongoing and the HSE has advised it expects it to be completed in August.