Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, is having a full review carried out of the medical cards system. Fewer than 60,000 doctor-only medical cards have been issued despite provision being made for 200,000 of them. I encourage people to apply for the doctor-only medical card.

At present, 1.2 million people, including children, are covered for full medical care under the medical card scheme. I ask the Minister, as part of the ongoing review of the medical cards system, to consider giving free medical cards to all children aged under 10 years.