Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for attending. As with Deputy McLellan, I was at the briefing in the audiovisual room. I note a real sense of calm and, more important, control over what was obviously very much out of control not so long ago. That is a real credit to all the staff, particularly those in Finglas. There was a lot of stress among those staff, just as there was among those at the other end of the system. From what I hear, there is a real sense of camaraderie and of being listened to. It is a real pleasure to be where we are. Well done. I hope that does not sound patronising.

One of the clinical advisory group recommendations that was taken on board this year concerned cards for those under 18 with cancer. It is very welcome. How did we do that without changing the legislation? With regard to other ailments, the legislation had to be changed, yet we were able to proceed without changing the legislation for the under-18s. Did we just grant them discretionary medical cards? Did we change the discretionary route we use? If so, do the delegates envisage a stage where we could deal with 19-year-olds, 29-year-olds or 59-year-olds with cancer or other illnesses in the same manner? I am quite sure treatment is as financially taxing on the family of a 29-year-old as the family of a nine-year-old. Could the delegates outline what has been achieved?