Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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165. To ask the Minister for Health the reason persons with disabilities attending the psychology department in Beaumont Hospital must pay to park in a limited number of disabled parking spaces in a multi-storey carpark (details supplied). [2152/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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 2018, 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 involved a wide range of stakeholders and took 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.

I met with HSE officials in October 2018 to discuss the progress of this review. I understand that this report is currently being finalised by the HSE and will be submitted for my consideration shortly. My Department will then liaise with the HSE on the next steps to be undertaken.