Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I thank Mr. Dempsey for the presentation. It was very interesting and informative. I have three questions to ask. First, what proportion of public health clinics and hospitals meet national accessibility standards, including accessible buildings and environment and medical and health equipment?

Second, as politicians we have had a lot of problems through the years with medical cards and eligibility for medical cards. Regarding the medical card, when were the guidelines and calculations used to assess the qualification of the under-70s medical card last reviewed? Will there be a review of the medical card assessment process?

Third, the committee recently heard testimony from the father of a young man with a severe acquired brain injury, their experience of the dental system, and having to wait five years for an appointment. What plans are in place to improve the delays in receiving dental treatment for persons with disabilities? This was an issue which, about 15 or 16 years ago, I experienced in my own constituency. It was absolutely harrowing for the family but we did everything we could and eventually, after three or four years, a conclusion was reached. I thought that would be a thing of the past. I was disappointed when that presentation was made to our committee that it is still pertaining. I know there are difficulties but is there anything better the witnesses can tell me to the effect that these blockages are not going to be the same, or what can we do about it?

I thank the witnesses for all their great work, and I look forward to their contributions.