Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I support the amendment's intentions but the operation of the new cards should be reviewed much earlier. We need to introduce a more comprehensive measure. Many people will not qualify for the new card type and many who will qualify should be getting a full medical card in any event. If the Government had kept its promises, they would have done so.

Senator Browne mentioned the issue of the over 70s receiving full medical cards. I actually agree with the idea that the over 70s should have full medical cards irrespective of income, but when set against the fact that most children do not have the same right, it seems unjust. We should at least introduce a measure whereby all children have access to free GP care. One meets people from middle income backgrounds who must think twice before bringing their children to a GP because of the associated costs. It should not be that way. Recently, I looked after a child who, it transpired, had measles. I was worried initially that it might be meningitis. I did not think twice about going to the local GP. If a person has a cough, he or she would think twice about going to the doctor as a visit costs €40, even if he or she was on what we would consider an average income.