Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have asked the Minister for Health and Children about a matter and I now want the Taoiseach's help on it. I cannot find the Minister for Health and Children, nor can I get her to take responsibility for anything. This matter relates to the prescription charges Bill. As the Taoiseach is aware, the administration of medical cards for those aged over 70 has been removed from the regions and centralised in Dublin. There is an ongoing dispute about this. People cannot get through to the office by telephone. Those over the age of 70 are worried about their medical cards and they are waiting for months to be notified about them.

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