Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I appreciate it is in respect of the other schemes. It is an impossible task. What is being expected of them is untenable and even from the last time when we engaged in discussion on the impact of the change in attitude towards discretionary medical cards, from my experience there is growing evidence of people who are in very serious circumstances whose medical cards are not being renewed. It is a very serious matter for these people. Not only are they trying to cope with very difficult health challenges but they now have that situation compounded by the loss of the certainty and support their medical card gave them on a daily basis.