John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for clarifying that there will be no disadvantage to any of children of families that take legal action. That is very necessary and welcome. The family that came to me about this has no wish to go the legal route but does wish to get absolute clarity and supports that will be continued right after the child grows to adulthood. Will the Minister address the issue of supports for over-18 year olds and adults? A few days ago the family in question received a letter stating their medical card is being reviewed. I know about the medical card review process but it increases the fears for families.

It is a limited number of people but their lives have been turned upside down and will continue to be so in the future. The main message is security and certainty into the future. The issues that have arisen seemed to have been solved a couple of years ago with the package the Minister announced but, from the recent letters that have been sent out, that does not seem to be the case. While the media may have misinterpreted it, it is important that there be clarity and joined-up thinking between the Departments, and security and certainty for the families.

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