Clune defends review of medical card scheme

Deirdre Clune (FG) defended the Government's review of the medical card scheme.

She said it was sensible ensuring that GPs were not paid for cards which were not being used. “The evidence shows that this review is necessary,” added Ms Clune. “Anybody who is entitled to a medical card will either retain that which he or she already has or will be issued with one.”

She said that some 1.9 million people had medical cards and reports indicated GPs were being paid for people not using their cards. She was sure, she said, that nobody would advocate paying GPs for a facility not being provided.

Ms Clune was responding to Darragh O’Brien (FF) who said that for weeks he had endeavoured to secure a debate on the issuing of discretionary medical cards in a context where, this year alone, more than 22,000 people in severe need had their cards withdrawn.

Mr O’Brien said the budget had included the announcement that a further €133 million was targeted under a review of the scheme.

“This essentially points to a withdrawal of medical cards and, moreover, it does not relate to the over-70s but to those suffering long-term illness,” he added.

Universal health insurance "Here we see the Minister reneging on yet another promise, namely, to introduce medical cards for specified long-term illnesses."

Ivana Bacik (Lab) called for a debate on the provision of universal health insurance and the move towards the abolition of the two-tier health system. "The budget announcement is a very welcome step in that direction.''

John Gilroy (Lab) said the Seanad should debate mental health.