Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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721. To ask the Minister for Health if Crohn's disease, IBS, and colitis will be included on the list of medical illnesses that are eligible for the free parking scheme. [22738/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that hospitals that charge parking fees are very cognisant of the financial implications of parking costs for patients and their families, particularly for those with long-term illnesses. 

Consequently, some hospitals have introduced a maximum daily fixed parking charge and reduced rate parking for long-term patients and visitors for whom the payment of the full rate would cause hardship.

The Programme for Government makes a commitment to introduce a cap on the maximum daily charge for patients and visitors at all public hospitals, where possible and to introduce flexible passes in all public hospitals for patients and their families. I am very aware of the financial burden this issue can cause some patients and families. Accordingly, my Department and the HSE are currently examining the issue.