Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On promised health legislation, a serious situation is developing in respect of access universal health care, which is the core aim of the Government in respect of its health policy. More than 40,000 people will have their medical cards taken from them under the health service plan and thousands of people are leaving private health insurance because of the increase in premia. Moreover, further increases will be imposed this year. Premia are at an all-time high and the accident and emergency wards are under enormous pressure. However, my point is that Members were promised the health (amendment) (No. 2) Bill, which was to deal with a wide range of eligibility issues. The health (amendment) Bill, which is a separate Bill, pertains to the extension of eligibility to medical cards. I also refer to the status of the health, private patient charges, Bill. Increasingly, people cannot make sense of what is emanating from the Minister for Health in respect of his legislative proposals and the reality on the ground in the health service. The circle cannot be squared and the situation is worsening.

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