Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I bring to the Taoiseach's attention an issue that has been constantly raised by numerous distressed cancer patients concerning their experience when applying for medical cards. In discussion with the staff and volunteers of the Irish Cancer Society, it has become even more evident with the numerous challenges faced by individuals who received devastating news of cancer diagnosis and who subsequently have to go through the process of applying for a discretionary medical card. In these extremely challenging situations, it is crucial that we offer enhanced support for those who are confronted with weeks and months of intensive treatment, therefore alleviating the stress associated with mounting medical bills and financial hardship that often follows such distressing news. I ask the Taoiseach if the Government would consider providing immediate assistance in the form of discretionary medical cards to those cancer patients for the duration of their illness.

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