Healthcare Policy
Seanad Éireann — 2026-04-30
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Mark Duffy (FG), Labour Panel

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. The improvements and advancements in health outcomes in Ireland have been incredible. I know we give the HSE and the health service a fair bashing at times, but the advancements and improvements, including improved access to healthcare for the whole population, have been incredibly pronounced. That being said, in a cost-of-living crisis, consideration should be given in the next budget to further reducing the maximum payment. I ask for further engagement with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to try to relieve the burden of these costs, which are, as I said, non-discretionary. They are life-saving and critical to those who pay in and need them.
I acknowledge the work of Councillor Ben Ward in County Carlow. He is very passionate about this matter on behalf of members of his community who have approached him. I see this in my home county of Mayo where people who are under pressure come into my office every week. There are good supports available through community welfare officers and Intreo offices, but a broad relief like the one proposed would have a very positive impact. I thank the Minister of State for considering this matter this morning.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-04-30/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:53+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-30