Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The debate about medical cards has been ongoing since their introduction in this jurisdiction, with its foundation in the work of that great socialist, Mr. Aneurin Bevan, the son of a Welsh coal miner. The concept of a medical card is about giving access to the medical system to the poorest people. It is a very precious and honourable process but it has never been without its teething problems across the water. It has been debated, on and off, since its introduction in the post-war period, and this is not the first time there has been a contentious debate about them.

I view these issues with reference to the basis of the concept.

We have medical cards to ensure that those who do not have money have access to a GP. This applies not only to the individual but to his or her family. We should be proud of that. No system is without fault. Opposition Members have made valid points but we have to find a way to make this system better and ensure the people I am talking about have access to medical care. I am glad we make access to a doctor affordable. The emergency card for people who are terminally ill, because that happens, is progressive. We should cherish that. It is not without its problems. Like other Deputies, I have met people who have managed to get the emergency card in the shortest period and others for whom, naturally, it does not quite work out that way. There are criticisms on both sides regarding the imperfections of the system.

We should not lose sight of the fact that 42% of the population have medical cards, that is 1.8 million citizens. I know the number fluctuates. According to the HSE medical review for 2014, by year end an additional 60,000 medical cards will be issued. Given that the country is scraping itself off the bottom, to be able to contain medical cards and provide them to people who genuinely need them is the function of all parliamentarians. This debate illustrates the need for reform of the health system. If there was a change of Government tomorrow, God spare us, the new Government would be confronted with the difficulties that face this Government and the HSE, lack of money, the country getting off its knees and trying to provide fair access to health care for those who cannot afford to go to a GP or cannot access medical services.

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