James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Ireland is honoured to host the Special Olympics during 2003, the European year of people with disabilities. Great work is being done to promote the disabilities agenda throughout Europe. Will the Leader invite the Minister for Health and Children to the House to explain why medical cards are withdrawn from persons with disabilities when they commence work? Medical cards are very important to such people and withdrawing them is a disincentive to the taking up of employment. They need their medical cards more than the rest of society. It is very unfair that these people lose their medical cards when they take up FÁS training and support and awareness schemes. The issue must be examined and addressed with urgency. It is important to debate it.