Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Of course, "fewer politicians" is a slogan that cuts across politics generally and does not just apply to the Seanad.

Senator Norris raised an issue which was dealt with at a meeting of the CPP and everyone present supported the Senator's view on inviting in an outside group on that particular date. Senator Kelly raised the issue of discretionary medical cards, which has also been raised by the Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly. He expressed concern about such cards not being granted to people and I am happy to ask the Minister for Social Protection to come in to deal with this issue. I know that it is a huge challenge for the HSE to ensure that the PCRS budget services those who need it most and to ensure that it reflects the health reform agenda. It is a particular challenge now, with over 250,000 more people eligible for free GP care compared to 2011 when the Government took office. Approximately 43% of the population now has access to free GP care. There have been changes to the discretionary medical card process, aimed at reforming the system. When the Government came into power, discretionary medical card applicants were not routinely assessed by medical personnel. The Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, instructed the HSE to establish a clinical panel to assist in the processing of applications for discretionary medical cards, which was an important reforming measure. It is also important to point out that the number of discretionary medical cards has fallen because more than 22,000 discretionary medical card holders now qualify for an ordinary medical card as they meet the income eligibility criteria. There are various factors involved here but I am happy to ask the Minister for Social Protection to come in, as she did yesterday, to speak with us about discretionary medical cards. My apologies, it should be the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly.

Senator Cullinane raised the Anglo Irish Bank tapes and the Governor of the Central Bank's appearance yesterday before the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform. He referred specifically to the announcement by the Central Bank that, following its review of the issues arising from the tape recordings from Anglo Irish Bank, it does not intend to make any further reports concerning suspected criminal offences to the gardaí or the ODCE. We were all very disappointed to hear that. The Governor gave evidence to the Oireachtas committee yesterday to the effect that there was no clear evidence of criminal activity. That is often hard for lay people to understand but there is a high standard of proof which both the DPP and the ODCE must observe when considering these matters. It should also be noted that there are ongoing investigations by the ODCE into Anglo Irish Bank, as well as ongoing criminal investigations. Indeed, charges have already been made and trials are pending.

Everyone is disappointed at the slow pace, but the DPP and the ODCC are independent of Government and that is an important principle.