John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the response, which contained everything I expected to be in it. I objected to all categories of people aged over 70 getting medical cards. The Minister of State might have been in government at the time. Previously, the guideline for a medical card for a person aged over 70 was equivalent to two old age pensions so, in effect, the Government was giving medical cards to wealthy people. I was one who spoke out against that at the time.

The Minister of State answered the question on who has changed the eligibility criteria. They were changed by the HSE. That means the Minister has accepted that it can tamper with the way things have been done in the past and affect people who have a rightful entitlement to a medical card, while at the same time he is talking out of the other side of his mouth, saying we will give universal GP cards to everyone in the country, and we will also give medical cards to everyone in the country with a long-term illness. None of that has happened. I am very disappointed that the people making the decisions are not taking those factors into consideration. They have no idea how they are affecting and hurting people.