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

The case of Alex Coyle was described on the "Saturday Night Show" as barbaric. It is barbaric. During the show a photograph was shown of the young boy in intensive care following a seizure. Anybody who saw it would not have to think twice about what needs to be done. His medical card must be restored. I am surprised the Taoiseach has not picked up on the matter. People all over the country are posting messages about it. They are in shock at what has happened.

The Taoiseach was warned about this two years ago. It is clear that young and elderly people with chronic terminal conditions are being targeted in terms of withdrawal of their discretionary medical cards. Thousands of discretionary medical cards have been already withdrawn. Many times, I have given the Taoiseach lists of people whose cards have been withdrawn. This is not about another list, rather it is about the need for systemic change.

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