Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to argue with the Deputy across the floor, but, as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, he should know

the reason for the increase in the number of medical cards. It has increased because applicants are qualifying for them on financial grounds. However, they are being denied on medical grounds. That is the key issue I am trying to raise. I have raised it repeatedly in the past year, but the position is certainly not improving for the people who attend my clinics and I am quite sure, Deputy Buttimer, the same can be said for those who attend your clinics.

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