Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

As I have already indicated the Labour Party will be vigorously opposing this legislation on all Stages. The universal entitlement to a medical card, which gives free access to primary care, for all over 70s must not be taken away. I again urge the Minister to reconsider her decision. What has happened since the budget has considerably watered down the original proposal. However, the inept way in which the change was introduced has shown that the Government is not in touch with the ordinary people on the matter. I believe the Minister will find that many of the people sitting behind her and voting for the Bill are not at all happy with taking away this universal entitlement.

The granting of a legal right to a medical card to citizens when they reach the age of 70 was one of the few fruits of Ireland's recent prosperity that this age group was given. It gave them peace of mind and the chance to stay healthy and out of hospital. Having a medical card allows such people to stay in their own homes longer. They get their primary care and also benefits such as visits from the public health nurse, the supply of incontinence pads if they need them, visits from a physiotherapist and chiropody. There is a variety of other benefits that come with a medical card, which have allowed many of our senior citizens to stay in their own homes and community rather than being in an expensive hospital bed.

See this speech in context