Government 'sitting on their hands' instead of axing hospital parking fees, Dáil told 

Charges described as a tax on illness

The programme for government has a commitment to introduce a maximum daily parking charge for patients and visitors at all hospitals, where possible and to introduce 'flexipass passes' for patients and families.

Government ministers have been accused of "sitting on their hands" when it comes to removing hospital parking charges for patients.

A Private Member's Bill from Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, debated on the floor of the Dáil last night, would see free parking for patients attending out-patient services in public hospitals.