Ms Emma Harte:

Every year this remains a cornerstone of our policy in our pre-budget submission. We make a conscious effort to raise it at every opportunity we get. I thank the Deputy for asking the question. We think that an automatic entitlement to a medical card should occur upon diagnosis of cancer for any person. This will help in some way to alleviate the numerous expenses that people face once they have a cancer diagnosis, such as accessing a GP and by way of reduced prescription charges. Having that medical card opens up access to other kinds of services and facilities they might need as a result of their diagnosis.