Seanad debates

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

1:15 pm

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. Much of what he said I agree with, but we need to be clear about the arguments being made on all sides of the House. I have never said access to GP cover is being removed in this legislation from anyone. My arguments relate to the income limits which are changing. They were first introduced by Fianna Fáil and have been reduced several times since, including in budget 2014. While I do not misrepresent what is contained in the Bill, equally it is unfair for Senator Colm Burke to misrepresent what I said. At no point did I say all pensioners would lose their medical cards. I have said discretionary medical cards are becoming a problem. If Government Members are not receiving the same volume of complaints that I am receiving, there is something wrong with their constituency services and clinics.

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