John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I refer to an issue in the newspapers concerning discretionary medical cards. The reduction from 80,000 to 56,000 in the number of discretionary medical cards was referred to by Ms Emily O'Reilly. When she asked for files on cases granted discretionary medical cards, she was told by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service, PCRS, that files were no longer available since 2011. I have raised this issue on numerous occasions in the past six to eight weeks. I have highlighted the fact that the PCRS is implementing measures not legislated for. It is depriving people of medical cards and making up the rules as it goes along. It has decided it will no longer allow home improvement loans or make any allowance for people to have a car to go to work. It will not allow crèche fees, unless the children are in a registered crèche. None of these elements is legislated for. Ms Emily O'Reilly has said financial constraints owing to austerity and cuts are not an excuse for poor service. I call on the Leader to bring this matter to the attention of the Minister for Health. It is not right that we deprive people of discretionary medical cards just because austerity is the way forward.