Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

That is fine. I would like a comprehensive response. I am also interested in the health (miscellaneous provisions) Bill. Will legislation be necessary? The over-70 medical cards have already gone to Dublin.

Yesterday I received a letter from the chief executive of the HSE, Brendan Drumm, who is the new Minister for Health and Children. The processing of all medical cards will be moved to Dublin even though there is chaos among the over 70s. What is wrong with the Fianna Fáil backbenchers? Have they gone to sleep? They are allowing this service to be withdrawn from rural Ireland even though it cannot be managed in Dublin.

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