Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was deeply concerned this week to hear that GPs are charging general medical scheme patients for taking bloods in some circumstances. Medial card patients are still being charged for blood tests despite the HSE ruling that blood tests should be covered by the card and that patients should report their GPs if they are being charged.

Doctors have previously argued that the medical card contract was not designed to cover the amount of routine blood tests that patients now need. This confusion is hitting the most vulnerable people in their pockets. This issue has arisen several times in my clinics. Many of those reporting it are elderly. This cost is really something they would consider a luxury. Some might put off getting a test because of finances. That is the opposite of what the medical card is supposed to achieve. It really concerns me that people are now telling me that they cannot afford to get their bloods done. I have been contacted by several people with chronic illnesses who require regular blood tests. They absolutely cannot absorb the cost. We need to have an option. If a person goes to hospital, there is free blood testing. However, Carlow does not have a reliable transport system. The hospital in Kilkenny is our nearest hospital. That is not an option for us. Again, rural Ireland is forgotten.

Will the Leader ask the Minister whether GPs have received recommendations from the HSE to the effect that patients are not to be charged? Discussions are ongoing on the contract at the moment. It is generally understood that GPs provide necessary care for their patients. This would and should include blood tests. I want to know whether this can be clarified. Can the position be stated so that the public can know exactly where they stand? This is absolutely a major issue for me. I wonder whether the Minister could clarify the matter for me.

I agree with the previous speakers. My sympathy goes to the family of Nadine Lott. We need to have a major debate in the House about domestic violence.

I wish to congratulate the new IFA president, Tim Cullinan. It is great and I wish him well. I believe he will really represent the beef farmers. That is what we need to do because they really need support now. I will absolutely be giving my support to him and to the beef farmers.

I wish everyone a happy Christmas. I believe 2020 will be a busy year for all of us. I hope everyone has a lovely and peaceful Christmas. We will all see each other in January.