Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

If one wins the lotto or inherits €2 million and one's medical card is withdrawn, what about softening the landing in such circumstances? Income criteria apply. We factor in the cost of mortgages, rent, travel to work and the number of children involved. We have to stick to the criteria. As I said in response to a question from Deputy McManus, we have the hardship based medical card where there are particular needs to be met that are not income related. There might be an illness in the family or circumstances of a temporary nature that necessitate the giving of a medical card. It is right that we should adopt such a flexible approach.

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