Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his intervention on this important point. As he knows, the number of discretionary medical cards issued is increasing month on month. The holders are persons whose incomes exceed the financial threshold who but qualify on medical grounds. I agree with the Deputy that we need to alter the rules for persons with a terminal illness. We provided for this in the budget, following the excellent advocacy on the issue by Mr. John Wall. The relevant review is under way by a clinical advisory group and due to conclude before the end of the year. I expect to be in a position at that stage to bring forward good news on the matter.

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