Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Going back to the point made by the Minister regarding the timeline, I referenced Mr. Tony McCarthy earlier. He is a cancer sufferer and his wife is seriously ill. He is her carer. When they were assessed, they did not qualify for the medical card. All cancer patients should have medical cards. This new Bill would mean Tony and his wife would get a medical card. We spoke today about the difference it would make to them.

I understand that there are serious financial implications ahead for the Government. I want to support the Minister/ Where we can, Sinn Féin will work with the Government, especially on health because it is so important, but Tony, his wife and all the other people need timelines as soon as possible. I will write to the Minister to ask if he will consider those cases on compassionate grounds if those timelines are not going to emerge soon enough. We want to support this Bill but we need its measures as soon as possible.

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