Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Day after day I receive representations from elderly people who have received forms to have their medical records reviewed.

Medical cards are being withdrawn without the chance for people to do the necessary paperwork. For me, this was brought to a head in recent days when an 83 year old man whom I was helping and representing contacted me to state he was to have surgery this week but still had no medical card. This is an absolute disgrace. He has a low income and there is no reason his card should have been withdrawn. He returned the review forms to be told his card was being withdrawn. I ask the Leader to request that the HSE come to the House and explain what is happening with medical cards. It is unacceptable that the vulnerable in our society are treated like this and I want an answer.