Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the context of the amendment that has been disallowed, I urge the Minister of State to examine the matter again in advance of Report Stage. He has already indicated that it is his intention to introduce legislation within the next 12 months to facilitate a provision similar to that outlined by Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin covering all sections of the population over the age of six years. The amendment would be restrictive in that it would focus on those under the age of 18 years with congenital conditions or ongoing serious conditions. The Minister of State recently met the Jack & Jill Children's Foundation and the same argument was made to him. In light of the fact that such a measure will be introduced for the whole population in the next 12 months - the report will be presented by the expert group in September - will he make provision within the legislation dealing with medical cards - at a minimum for GP-only cards - for children under the age of 18 years to be the first to receive access to the new initiative? If we introduce the primary legislation, he could introduce such a measure by regulation in September once the report from the expert medical group is available.

Will the Minister of State clarify something he said in the context of the section? He said he would not introduce a medical card based on medical condition because it would be seen as too cumbersome and that there would be no point in introducing it in the short term if, in the not too distant future, universal access was provided for. Is that not the purpose of the expert medical group that will report in September, namely, to introduce medical cards on a temporary basis, pending the provision of permanent access to GP care?