Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of nursing homes. I was contacted recently by a nursing home because residents who need to see a doctor to have their ears syringed are being charged €35. These residents have medical cards and they are on the fair deal scheme. They must also pay for a taxi which costs between €65 and €75 and, furthermore, the nursing home has to get a member of staff to go with them in the taxi.

I welcomed what the Taoiseach said about people living longer and he is right that it is good news but as people live longer, it brings challenges. As I said, residents of a nursing home who have medical cards and are on the fair deal have to pay this money. It is too much money and they do not have it.

Another matter I have raised several times is that people on medical cards are being charged for having their bloods done. Some of them have visited my clinic. People are struggling, particularly those who are on a pension, and then there are all these extra charges. We need a proper system. Whether we review doctors' contracts or do something else, something needs to be done. These residents are concerned and have contacted me.

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