Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Like many others, I have tried to raise this issue with the Taoiseach on Leaders' Questions and in other forums in recent months. The Minister, Deputy Reilly, and his colleagues know that what is happening is a complete shambles. I contacted the office twice today. I am holding a copy of the HSE's medical card criteria. I spoke to two senior officials today. A man from County Limerick whom I happen to know contacted my office. He is over the age of 70 and has significant medical problems. His application for an over 70s medical card has been refused because his income exceeds the threshold by €25. He has been informed that if he wants his medical circumstances to be taken into account, he must submit an under 70s application form. How can he do that when he is over the age of 70? This is a fact. He has been told to submit a fraudulent application, but he will not do so. He cannot change his date of birth. This is where it has gone.

If he wants to qualify for the over-70 scheme, it is assessed under the income of €298 per couple. He has to supply misinformation. This is farcical. I heard that poor gentleman speak on the radio about his terminally ill wife. Do we have any humanity left in us? Do the Members opposite have any humanity left in them? They were well able to shout with the over-70s; we remember the lorry outside here some years ago. They had to take away the ladder because so many of them were trying to get up on it. They pulled the ladder from under them. Government Members when they got into power pulled up the ladder from the people and are trying to stand on them.

It is disgraceful and despicable. They know it is wrong. The Minister, who is sitting here tonight smiling, and the Minister of State just cannot explain this away. Those working in my office are on to people on a regular basis trying to get some sense of the system but we cannot get it. The system is that clearly they were told to withdraw 40,000 or more by hook or by crook. It is not appropriate to tell a man who is over 70 to apply through the under-70 scheme. I know it is possible to bend and twist, but if the Government is going to change people's date of birth what will it do next? It was to hell or to Connacht with Cromwell; it is to hell or anywhere else with the Government. It is outrageous and that is why I am opposed to the Bill.

See this speech in context