Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
636. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of the programme for Government commitment to reduce hospital car parking charges; who holds responsibility for overseeing this commitment nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73297/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospitals 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. As a result, many hospitals have introduced reduced rate parking for long-term patients and visitors for whom the payment of the full rate would cause hardship, and all hospitals that charge for parking have a fixed maximum daily rate. The majority of hospitals have some form of exemption or allowances in place such as the option of flexible day passes or multi-trip entry passes for regular hospital attenders, and various concessions based on the type of inpatient.
The Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future, makes a commitment to explore further ways to reduce hospital car parking charges. This is a reflection of the Government’s appreciation of the financial challenge that can be faced by people in meeting these expenses, in particular where they are frequent users of hospital services. Accordingly, in line with this commitment, the HSE continues to keep all fees and concessions under review, in order to progress any opportunities that will ease the burden for those most affected.
