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

I wish to make a brief comment. I understand the context of the Minister of State's observations regarding the medical review by the expert group that is taking place. Surely, however, it would make sense to make provision in this legislation, at least in the short term, for those children under the age of 18 who fall into whatever medical categories are highlighted by the aforementioned expert group. As an initial stage, they could be given free GP access. Members could make provision in this Bill that would allow for a statutory instrument to be introduced by 1 October to facilitate this measure in the short term and deal in some way with the hardship it has caused to families.

The Minister of State might consider this prior to Report Stage.