Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Kelleher for the opportunity to contribute briefly on this important debate. The number of discretionary medical cards has decreased from 80,524 in 2011 to 63,126 in 2012, with a further reduction in the first seven months of this year to less than 55,000. These statistics illustrate what we are discussing. Clearly, the HSE's service plan is targeting discretionary medical cards.

Two Ministers of State at the Department are present.

Over the past 18 months, everyone in this Chamber will have had cause to make representations to the HSE about medical cards being withdrawn or not being granted in particularly heart-rending situations. In some circumstances one or two members of a family may be under treatment for cancer but they are told that a medical card will only be granted if evidence can be provided that the illness is terminal. In heaven's name, how can one expect a local GP or consultant oncologist to provide evidence that the illness is terminal and that the medical card will be granted only in those circumstances?

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