Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The question of medical cards could be raised by the Deputy in the context of a discussion on the HSE service plan. The matter has been reviewed by the Government and the Minister has made some announcements about flexibility and greater discretion. I do not regard a system that has been assessed as being more appropriate than what was in place previously as being in any way a climbdown. This is about giving the Deputy's people and all our people the opportunity to have access to the health facilities in the fairest way possible.

See this speech in context