Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am talking about the record of the Minister for Health and I am also trying to get answers from the Taoiseach to questions which I have asked three weeks in a row. The Ombudsman says the files are missing.

I raised this with the Taoiseach and while officials from his office got in touch with my office, I am still awaiting a reply on this matter.

I welcome today's announcement and commend those citizens who fought to achieve this U-turn. There are, however, questions the Taoiseach has not answered and which the Minister is not available to answer. Will those citizens adversely affected through the removal of their medical cards be compensated for the hardship and costs they endured as a result? Will he confirm the administrative cost of this change will not be taken from front-line services? Given the confusion and distress caused by his Government’s handling of this entire issue, will he state clearly that everyone who needs a medical card will get one? Will he agree this embarrassing U-turn is further evidence that his Minister and Government is making up policy as it goes along and that the Minister for Health should go?

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