Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to raise the very important issue of medical cards for persons with cancer. Medical cards have dominated much of the debate in recent months in that there was a proposal to cut their number and so on. I find it one of the hardest things in public life to get an answer stating a person suffering from cancer cannot be given a medical card. I raised this issue in the House only a number of months ago with the former Minister of State, Deputy Róisín Shortall. At the time she was in the middle of making a change, which I understood and accepted. However, I raise the issue again because I remain concerned that we have not arrived at a situation where people diagnosed with cancer, in particular the self-employed, can qualify for a medical card. Financial information is looked for, but the matter is very simple. When the oncologist sends a letter notifying that a person has cancer, he or she should be entitled to a medical card, at least for a short period until the financial and other issues have been cleared. My question is very specific. I raise the matter again today to ask that in a situation when a person is diagnosed with cancer, he or she immediately receive a medical card. The position is unfair. It is traumatic both for the person involved and his or her family. Cancer affects many people and their families. I implore the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, to act. Other countries also have dire financial problems and other issues that must be dealt with, but the reality is that we must look after sick and vulnerable people with cancer who are going through a very stressful period.

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