Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

It started with charging for blood tests and there are now charges for dressings, minor surgery and letter writing. The Minister must take up those issues directly with the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, and GPs. It appears that GPs are attempting to pass on cutbacks to medical card holders. It is not acceptable to say that medical card holders must complain directly to the HSE because it is very difficult for people who are availing of services from their GPs to make a formal complaint at the same time to the HSE. I call on the Minister of State to ensure the Department takes up the issues directly with the IMO and GPs around the country.