Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is my first opportunity to wish the Minister and the Minister of State the very best in their new roles. I look forward to working with both of them in this very difficult but important area.

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important issue of amendments that will provide for the expansion of GP care without charge on a phased basis to children of primary school age and that will seek to increase limits for medical card assessment for people aged 70 or over. These are important issues.

The medical card issue is very important, as it has been for the past number of years. There have been many difficulties arising from people not qualifying and just being over the limit. People who were very ill lost the chance of getting a medical card. In fairness, I must give credit to the medical card section of the Department, whose staff have been very helpful. Criteria are set and staff must work within them.

There is a massive problem at Bantry General Hospital and I hope the Minister takes that on board. An endoscopy unit was promised to the people but it has not been delivered. An anaesthetist position also needs to be filled. It is very important. There are 80,000 young people who will come under the scheme being discussed today who must be looked after. Bantry is rural but we need Bantry General Hospital to be able to deliver services. The staff have done their best but there is a need for an anaesthetist.

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