John Kelly (Labour)

Two weeks ago I raised the issue of centralisation of medical cards. I called for the Minister for Health to answer questions on this. Now we are at the 11th hour because centralisation is taking place on 1 July. I am satisfied that 90% of medical cards are centralised but 10% are granted on a discretionary basis. Such people may be over the guideline amounts for medical cards but, because of the knowledge of the local community welfare officer about the family circumstances - whether alcohol addiction, gambling, cancer, terminal illness or MS - it is important that the Minister explains how he will deal with these discretionary cards. Once this is centralised, it will become a matter of mathematics. If someone is over the guidelines for the medical card, that person will not receive a card. As a GP, I hope the Minister understands the sensitive nature of this issue. Senator Mullen admired the Minister for his openness and transparency but I would like to see the Minister in this Chamber rather than on "The Frontline". We need to get these answers before 1 July.