Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We can only say what we see ourselves. A particular case which I believe highlights it very well is that of a family with a little girl who has cerebral palsy. She has just turned five. A little over a year ago, after providing very significant information, she received a medical card on discretionary grounds which was issued for three years but was reviewed less than a year later and is now on a very short extension. The same very extensive information is being sought as was provided previously. This is not just about the child going to a GP. The mother, who went public, stated the child has had a card since she was 13 months old. The child cannot swallow and is fed through a tube. The food delivered is covered by the medical card, as is her €4,000 chair which must be adjusted regularly as she grows. She needs physiotherapy to massage her legs and ensure her spine is not damaged from being in the chair all of the time. The children's hospital in Crumlin did not let her leave until she had a medical card. She receives occupational therapy. All of these services are provided on the medical card. This family requires the State to support the child, who could end up being in hospital because she is at risk if she is not properly cared for and resourced. It is not just about going to the doctor once or twice a year. It is everything else which goes with it. These families are being put through absolute purgatory. At the very least until services are in place there needs to be an extension on these cards where such children are at risk.

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