Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is so important if we want to make the health service system more efficient and get better value for money rather than delays in accident and emergency. The doctor will understand the person was in hospital previously but does not know what they were on. The person himself or herself is not able to give instructions and does not even know what medication he or she is on. It is very difficult for any nurse or doctor to try to manage a patient without even knowing what medication the person is on. If the person had a card, at least that could be put into the system and there would be immediate access to what medication he or she is on in the same way as bank account details can be accessed. We do not appear to be moving this fast enough.