Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

When I referred earlier to about 100 children I was talking about one particular survey that was done. However, I agree with the Minister of State that the broader national figure would be in the region of 1,000 children with Down's syndrome who are at risk of losing their medical cards.

We must re-examine the categorisation issue and the system that has been set up. I take the Minister of State's point on the legislation but we must ensure that legislation protects the rights of children and adults with disabilities. I am concerned that we are taking our eye off the ball as regards how the 1970 Act deals with a person's financial means.

I am also concerned that the Minister of State does not seem to agree with the principle that a child with Down's syndrome or another recognised disability should have the right to a medical card. There are severe personal situations such as, for example, the cases I have to hand. One case concerns an eight year old who has Down's syndrome, asthma, sight difficulties, thyroid problems and hearing loss. His discretionary medical card was withdrawn in recent months. That is wrong, regardless of who may have made the decision.

Another case concerns an eight year old girl who was granted a discretionary medical card at the age of five. She has asthma, juvenile arthritis, a heart condition and hearing problems. In 2013, the HSE wrote to the family about its plan to withdraw the young girl's card.

I am asking the Minister of State to talk to his colleagues, the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, and the Minister, Deputy Reilly, about this matter. Earlier today I submitted the details of a case to the Minister's office concerning a young person with a severe physical and intellectual disability. The family is very upset about the loss of that person's medical card.

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