Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It does not make sense that it has taken a couple of years to make that determination. The Minister of State's argument is absolute nonsense and offers cold comfort to those who are dependent on the long-term illness scheme. He has added to their difficulties in life by dashing their expectations.

The Minister of State indicated he will present an alternative plan within a matter of weeks. I ask him to spell out exactly what he proposes to do. Given that phase one of the planned roll-out of free GP care has been abandoned, what is the position regarding the second phase, which was to extend free GP care to those on the high tech drug scheme? What message does the Minister of State have for the cohort of people who depend on the scheme? Where stands the promised new general practitioner contract?

See this speech in context