Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to call on the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to address the House to explain why Dr. Patricia Comer, a Dublin general practitioner, will not be allowed to treat her 500 medical card patients when she turns 70 in August. How will the Minister rectify this appalling situation? There should be no age barriers to doctors treating patients. Dr. Comer can continue treating her private patients, a stark contrast with the fact that she cannot treat public patients. This is nothing but ageism. Almost all of Dr. Comer's medical card patients are older people who have built up great relationships with her over the years. She has treated their children and grandchildren. Older people are distressed at the prospect of changing doctors, having been served by Dr. Comer over the past 40 years.

Last week I launched my document A New Approach to Ageing and Ageism.