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

The reimbursement for cataract surgery under the Northern Ireland planned healthcare scheme has been drastically reduced. The original figure of €1,950 has been mercilessly slashed to a mere €863.

This is not just an abuse of power; it is a blatant disregard for our elderly citizens who depend on these funds for essential cataract surgery. The Government's decision is nothing short of outrageous. Hospitals in southern Ireland are already stretched to their limits and are incapable of providing timely surgeries. This could lead to many of our citizens suffering unnecessarily and going blind. The underhanded manner in which this decision was made overnight without any form of consultation or transparency is a disgrace. It paints a picture of a Government that is seemingly content to let the elderly people of Ireland lose their sight.

This matter was raised with the Taoiseach seven days ago. Has he found out since who made this decision? Why was the Taoiseach and some of the Minister and Ministers of State for Health not aware of it? I demand that this Government, with the utmost urgency, overturn this decision immediately and reinstate the amount for cataract reimbursement to the original sum of €1,950.

See this speech in context