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

More than two weeks ago, I again raised with the Taoiseach the policy of consistent withdrawal of discretionary medical cards from adults and children with chronic and lifelong conditions. The Taoiseach denied this policy was in place and stated the opposite was the case. This week, my party tabled a Private Members' motion specifically on the policy of cutting back and withdrawing discretionary medical cards. Since 2011, the number of such medical cards in the system has declined from more than 80,000 to 54,000. With more than 1,000 discretionary medical cards being withdrawn per month, the number of these cards will have declined to 50,000 by the end of the year if the Government's policy continues.

Last evening, Deputies raised various cases. I received a letter at the weekend outlining the case of an eight year old child with Down's syndrome, chronic asthma, two severe skin conditions, sight difficulties and bilateral hearing loss who also needs a wide range of therapies, orthotics and so forth. This gives rise to extraordinary costs, including a significant number of medical prescriptions and, at a minimum, 15 general practitioner visits each year. The young child's discretionary medical card has been withdrawn, despite the fact that the family's means have reduced since the card was first issued in 2005. The only reason I raise this case among many others is to illustrate that there has been a consistent policy of withdrawing discretionary medical cards from people who are chronically ill.

Last evening, Deputy Kelleher raised a case involving a young child of six years with highly complex medical issues, including hospital stays and so forth, whose medical card was, incredibly, withdrawn. People do not understand how the Taoiseach and Ministers can state in the House that this is not happening. Will the Taoiseach change heart and stop this policy?

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