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

This morning we received a petition from the Gilmartin family in Mayo whose child, Ryan, has Down's syndrome. We have had regular debates on medical cards and how we fund primary care and support those who need assistance. We are talking about the roll-out of free general practitioner, GP, care for everybody, which should have happened by this year but will not. Free GP care is for those under the age of six and over the age of 70.

Many people who need the State’s support fall through the cracks. They need access not only to their GP but to secondary services and we must address that in a meaningful way. We can talk about political parties and health policies and differing views on how society should be structured but a child with Down's syndrome needs and deserves the support of the State. I understand the complexities involved and that the Minister considered this with an expert group but there is an element of discretion which must be used in a meaningful, fair and compassionate way. We can understand that some people may pretend there is something wrong with them or try to cheat the system but there is no cheating with Down's syndrome. This family needs support. The problem has been going on for a long time, not only for this family but for many others where there is long-term illness or disability and who, because of the means test system operated under the Health Act 1970, cannot qualify on income grounds but should qualify on the grounds of compassion and decency. We have to focus on that issue in respect of the primary care system and medical cards.

If nothing else is done today could the Minister act on the petition sent to the Chairman today, and on others who fall through the cracks? Most people would welcome universal free GP care but not if the Government is funding it by taking money from somebody who has Down's syndrome. In effect that is what it is doing because by the Minister’s admission there is inadequate funding in the health service. Providing free GP care to all those under the age of six means taking it from those who need it most. The Minister can try to dress that up and spin it any way he likes but that is why Ryan Gilmartin was outside the gates of Leinster House this morning, a cold February morning, having travelled from Mayo. The Government has prioritised healthy children of wealthy people over a child who needs and deserves the support of the State. I would like the Minister to address the case of Ryan Gilmartin and the many others in a similar situation. This has been aired publicly and the public expressed its view on it last May, when it was a central issue in the local election.