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

The director general of the HSE, Mr. Tony O'Brien, has calculated that 225,000 medical cards equates to €44 million in cuts under the so-called probity heading. If one extrapolates from this on the basis that the Minister had adhered to the €133 million cut, some 675,000 medical cards would be taken back in 2014. The reality is that on the basis of the director general's calculation and the figure of €23 million, there will be a reduction of between 112,000 and 115,000 medical cards next year. What I am saying is based on figures contained in the director general's letter to the Minister. How can the Minister state what is being done is a success? The people involved are already suffering. I am aware of this as a result of individual cases on which I have made representations. The Minister cannot take any comfort from the fact that there is going to be untold suffering, of which evidence is already emerging, in this area. Regardless of what the eventual figure might be, what are the prospects for the people involved in 2014? What can he say that will offer them any comfort as they face the loss of their medical cards in the coming year?

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