Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are two issues on which I wish to touch before finishing. The issue in east Cork is a very emotive one and I do not want to add to anyone's anguish, as I also know an investigation is ongoing. However, there is genuine concern in communities all over the country about ambulance cover. There is no point in not saying this and I am not just raising the issue because of the tragedies in east Cork where there have been two tragedies and there is concern about the despatching of ambulances. In the context of hospital trusts or groupings, the issue of ambulance cover will have to be examined. People will need to be given comfort because 24 hour cover is being taken away from some hospitals. There is genuine concern in communities, particularly in peripheral and rural areas, about ambulance cover and I ask the HSE to take it on board.

On the issue of medical cards, there was an announcement in the budget that 40,000 cards would be withdrawn from circulation. I must draw attention to the fact that the facility for people to qualify for a medical card on medical grounds is being rapidly withdrawn. There is almost no one qualifying for a medical card on such grounds. I am meeting people who find themselves in this situation on a daily basis and I am sure other Members can say the same. The stated policy, statistics and figures are not reflecting what is happening. Let me give two examples. I met a woman recently who had had a double mastectomy and had been refused a medical card on medical grounds. I also met a person with colon cancer who had been refused on the same grounds. There is a problem in this regard which the Minister must address. I understand the country is under financial pressure, but it is now almost impossible for people to qualify for a medical card on medical grounds.