Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators. While I appreciate the intention behind the amendment, it is the case and it is for the reasons outlined and for those specific health reasons that the HAA card was provided to those who contracted hepatitis C, to ensure that those who had essentially life-threatening conditions would be supported through that card. I appreciate the card that is being proposed now does not include some of what was in the other. It does not include some of the complementary therapies nor does it include the access to the appointments at perhaps the same rate, but they were specific to the types of consultants and types of expertise that were needed within a particular timeframe and period. It was specific to that group of people. Any of the other schemes we have administered, be it the mother and baby homes, the Magdalen laundries or the medical card we are proposing here, have been in line with what is being proposed here and I do not propose to move away from that. I acknowledge the Senator's reasons behind this - I really do - but it is important we acknowledge the reasons that specific enhanced card was put in place. That is why I cannot accept this amendment.