Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The people who are most affected by this type of change are those whose incomes are just above the threshold relating to the medical cards and below the level at which they would be able to afford health insurance. This matter is of serious concern to them. There is no way they can be dealt with if they cannot afford health insurance. Many people are paying the universal social charge and pay related social insurance but they have access to a diminishing range of services. This is at a time when they are at breaking point. The least we can do is provide them with some certainty. The Minister is being given discretion to change the period, even though it is increasing in any event and people are paying more, and I am of the view that we should oppose this.

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