Marie Moloney (Labour)

I strongly support what my colleague, Senator John Kelly, said about the medical card issues. I have also come across a number of people who have been refused medical cards simply because they do not earn enough, which is ludicrous.

I wish to speak about the MFGs, or Meitheal Forbatha na Gaeltachta companies which have been closed down for several months. Many worthwhile projects are awaiting funding but they cannot access it because the MFGs have closed. I note the Minister's proposals to incorporate the partnerships to take over the distribution of funding, but what is he waiting for? Let us get on with it. If there is to be a delay, perhaps the Minister could attend the House to inform us what is causing it. We should debate the issue because it is necessary to get funding to people in Gaeltacht areas for their projects.