Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State who is committed to trying to help people who are in difficulty and to reforming the medical card system. However, it must be brought home to officials in the Department that whatever system they have in place, it is still not working. That is the issue I am raising. When an oncologist says a person has cancer, there should be a facility whereby the person receives a medical card immediately - that does mean in days or weeks but within 24 hours. As the Minister of State's heart is in the right place on the matter, I will not press her on it. I genuinely believe she will solve the problem, but I hope it is solved sooner rather than later. I urge her to continue her good work on the issue.

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