John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I do not doubt that the person who wrote the Minister's response has five years of experience in dealing with health related matters, but I have 28. I take the Minister's point that 1.8 million people have medical cards, but that does not mean someone should be refused a medical card if he or she is entitled to receive it. I do not want to see a repeat of the response often given to those who apply for carer's and invalidity benefit in kicking the can down the road for one year or more before the applicant eventually receives his or her entitlements.

The Minister failed to mention child care costs or car loans. The guidelines are as clear as crystal. Child care costs and car loans are specifically mentioned as allowable, but the PCRS is refusing to take them into account. I ask the Minister to follow up with the PCRS to ensure clarity on how it is reading the guidelines.