Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

At the recent annual conference of the Irish Medical Organisation in Killarney it was stated that doctors were concerned that many people were no longer availing of health care. This is especially the case for people who are just above the income limit for medical cards and who cannot afford to visit the doctor or to pay prescription charges. IMO delegates expressed concern about the long-term welfare of this category of people.

The Government health strategy document includes a pledge to increase the eligibility limit to give those on low incomes the chance to obtain a medical card. The Government gave a commitment to provide 200,000 extra medical cards during its term in office, yet, according to a statement this week, the number of medical cards has fallen by almost 100,000 because people are slipping outside the income eligibility limit. The Leader should state what the Government intends to do about this matter.

In her recently published annual report, the Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, stated that the largest category of complaints received concerned planning permission decisions. Ms O'Reilly particularly voiced her concern about the lack of enforcement orders being carried out by local authorities regarding breaches of planning guidelines. She stated that she will take more forceful action in this area within the ambit of her office.

A recent "Prime Time" programme broadcast graphic examples of abuse in the planning system. In that context, the Leader should arrange for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, to attend the House to discuss planning enforcement and the draft guidelines on one-off rural housing. This is an issue which impacts on most public representatives and causes the greatest public concern and grief.