John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I note that only 20,000 of the 194,000 medical cards for those age 70 and over that expired in 2023 were reviewed. However, as he can see from the data, fewer than 1,000 were ruled ineligible, which is 1,000 out of 194,770 persons over 70. I specifically asked for the cost of carrying out those 20,000 reviews and the Minister of State did not provide that information in his reply. I know it is not done on a cost-saving basis. I am sure that the Minister of State will agree with me that common sense should prevail. Where fewer than 1,000 are deemed ineligible following a review out of 194,000, we need to consider the cost savings that could be made let alone the stress and strain caused to individuals and families. The Government needs to review this. The policy needs to reflect common sense. I feel that common sense is not being applied in this area.