Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Are there any plans to expand the integration fund and community engagement? Has there been an acknowledgement by the Government that this Department needs to be improved? There was talk in some of the earlier engagements of the cross-government approach. We have heard about pressures on GP care. Are there any plans to expand Sláintecare? Are there any plans for the HSE to employ GPs directly in areas where GPs say they are under pressure? Are there any plans to increase the number of medical cards? Has the Minister of State spoken to other Departments about that? There have been complaints that some people are getting medical cards while other people, including those with cancer, are waiting. That is causing frustration.

The Minister of State mentioned the consultation process. I remember how, when the Skellig Star incident happened, a person was directly appointed by the Department of Justice to liaise with local representatives and local communities. Does the Minister of State plan to put someone like that back in place?

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