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

Let me ask a few questions based on the Minister's reply. With regard to the provision of medical card entitlement for all children under six years in the context of the recent conclusion of negotiations with the IMO, how quickly does the Minister expect to see a rolling out of this now long-promised first measure? Will he indicate to the committee how quickly he intends to move towards the next step? It is only a first step in the rolling out of GP access cards offering universal GP access free at the point of delivery. I pointed out to the Minister's predecessor and the Minister of State with responsibility at the time that I supported the introduction of GP-only cards for all children under six years as a first step. If we were to leave this hanging for some considerable time, it would create another two-tier system. We already have such a system and this would be another two-tier element, which would not be acceptable to me. I was willing to record and have recorded support for this measure in the context of it being rolled out further.

Did I correctly interpret the Minister as having said the HSE now had the opportunity or green light to release aids and appliances, as required, where there was no medical card entitlement? I believe he instanced walking supports. In fear of a burst of laughter at my expense, I must ask whether he also mentioned wigs?