Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will raise an issue that I raised in the previous Seanad, that is, that people who receive a terminal diagnosis should automatically qualify for a medical card. It is something that will receive unanimous support across this House. It is also something that we should have the Minister in to discuss. The HSE previously committed to examining this issue but it has not progressed any further.

I have been dealing with a number of families recently in which there was a diagnosis of serious illness, especially cancer, and I am aware of the stress and strain that it puts not only on the patient but also on their family as well due to the over-and-back interaction with the HSE, being refused a medical card and then eventually getting it. Once a person has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, he or she should automatically qualify for a medical card.