Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I listened to the contributions of the Minister and Opposition spokespersons, and very little seems to separate both sides. Mr. Justice Quirke's recommendations were taken on board by the Government last June. The issues being raised in the debate are about the level of benefit-in-kind, and whether there is a difference between what is available under the HAA card and what is being proposed now. Yesterday the Minister stated very little separates what is available under the HAA card and what is being proposed. All she mentioned yesterday were homoeopathy, aromatherapy and angel healing. These are minor cost constraints, I imagine.

A total of €18 million has been paid out and 80% of the 776 applications have been processed. Mr. Justice Quirke stated that more than 91% of the women affected already had a medical card or a GP visit card. With regard to the issues at stake and what will not be provided under the card which may be forthcoming under the scheme compared with the HAA card, the difference is very small with regard to the actual services. From the Government's perspective it may be important for clarity to state the same services as are available under the HAA card will be available under the scheme. Yesterday the Minister stated every service available under section 2 of the Health (Amendment) Act will be available under this scheme. Whatever card we come up with should include all of the services provided under the HAA scheme in order that there is no bone of contention between the organisations, including Justice for Magdalenes Research, Amnesty International and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties. It is not a major issue or bone of contention and could be addressed with the new card.

Another issue raised is with regard to whether people who do not have the capacity to make an application are affected. Yesterday the Minister stated she envisages the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill will be enacted in the first half of the year. If this is dealt with as a matter of urgency and is enacted shortly, it would alleviate the other concerns which have been raised in the House.

I very much welcome the Bill and the Minister's approach to dealing with the issue, which has been very rapid and included seeking advice from the Department of Health. The issues being raised are minor in nature and can be dealt with very quickly to the benefit of everybody, including the women affected, which is what this has been about from day one. I commend the Minister on her speedy action. These minor issues can be dealt with very swiftly if the Government is minded to do so, and I recommend it does.

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