Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the increase, albeit modest, in the 2015 budget. At least it is on the positive side. I also welcome the fact that for the first time since the HSE was established, the Department of Health and not the former will be responsible for the health budget. A very significant development is that for 2015 the HSE will be able to hire additional staff instead of having to pay the high cost of agency staff. It is an opportunity to provide meaningful permanent employment to our highly skilled medical personnel and enables them to stay at home rather than to seek work abroad. This measure will also relieve the pressure on our understaffed hospital and community services and will facilitate increased hospital activity in the coming year. This is good for patient care and overall budget management.

On the downside, the 2013 plan estimates that there will be 60,000 fewer people on medical cards by the end of 2015. This is based on declining numbers of unemployed persons and a projected increase in income. However, I cannot envisage in my own county, Kerry, any reduction of this type in medical cards due to the fact that we are totally neglected regarding job creation by the IDA. Many small and medium firms are experiencing difficulties in keeping their businesses viable.

I plead with the Minister of State here tonight not to act in a heavy-handed manner on the renewal of medical cards. I also ask for a favourable appraisal in the adjudication of new applicants. I ask that the initiative regarding new medical card guidelines will assist people with medical conditions, disabilities and hardship cases to access full medical cards in a customer-friendly manner. I request that services mentioned in the plan for County Kerry are expedited and commence at an early date in the coming year. They will be very welcome.

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