Marie Moloney (Labour)

I ask the Leader to seek clarification from the Minister for Health, or to ask the Minister to attend the House on the issue of the new GP card that has been extended to those on the long-term illness scheme. It is confusing because under the long-term illness scheme, patients receive free medication for chronic illnesses rather than acute illnesses but under the terms negotiated with the Irish Medical Organisation the GP visit card is for acute care.

Are people on long-term illness entitled to free medication for acute illnesses and general practitioner, GP, care for their chronic illness? Has this been negotiated with the Irish Medical Organisation? I am aware of wealthy people - I will not mention names - who have an illness such as diabetes which is well under control and who can easily afford their GP care.

We should be considering extending GP care. It is the long-term goal of the Government to extend GP care to all citizens but we should start by extending it to those most in need. The medical card should be extended in the first instance to the low and moderately paid people who are struggling to pay mortgages and so forth and, of course, to people on the long-term illness scheme who are also on low and moderate incomes. Will the Leader either invite the Minister to the House to clarify that issue or seek clarification on it from the Minister?