Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

When one applies something universally to a class of individuals — in this case, children — it can be unfair on others because one has a finite amount of resources. All the evidence suggests that the medical need is greatest among lower income families in particular. That is what we are doing with the traditional medical card and the doctor only card. Given that we increased the income guidelines by 20% last week, since this time last year, the income threshold has gone up 29%. There is a further 25% top up for the doctor only card. That should include a whole host of people who heretofore had to pay to go to the doctor. It is a welcome measure and we should review it as time goes on.

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