Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

It is difficult to put in place a perfect system which will meet all circumstances but if we do not deal with the matter in the way we propose we will end up attempting to treat all applicants as individuals. That would not be to their advantage and would not be fair. The method we propose is the fairest way to proceed. Up to now, health board CEOs would have different interpretations but the HSE intends to operate standardised guidelines throughout the country. Before this, someone in a particular situation in Kildare might have qualified for a medical card while a person in similar circumstances in Galway might not have qualified. We will now have standardised guidelines countrywide. That is the best way to proceed.