Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I endorse earlier comments by Senators in welcoming the publication yesterday of the report by the Department of Health on medical cards. The Jack & Jill Children's Foundation has not read the publication fully and is treating it with cautious optimism. I would welcome it if the Minister for Health came to the House to engage in dialogue and a debate to clarify the finer points. The expert panel obviously listened to the people with great care and the families of the Jack & Jill children's Foundation. It is particularly welcome that the issue of discretionary medical cards seems to be back on the agenda. Speaking from our families' perspective, the fear felt by people with discretionary medical cards for children is beginning to disappear from their solar plexus in time for Christmas. Those with no medical cards believe there may now be some hope of getting them. I am very encouraged by the simpler formula promised by the Department.