Labour today launched a Private Member's Motion calling on the Government to reverse its recent decision not to proceed with the promised extension of eligibility limits for the medical card.
The expansion plan was set to provide an extra 200,000 people with medical cards.
Earlier this year the Government announced plans to grant medical cards to all people aged over 70.
Labour Party spokesperson on health, Ms Liz McManus, has written to all Independent deputies asking for their support for the motion. She said their constituency work would have made them aware of the inadequacy of the current income limits for the card.
"I have no doubt that many of your own constituents who had looked forward to at last qualifying for medical card under the promised increase in eligibility limits will be bitterly disappointed at the decision not to proceed", the letter said.
Ms McManus said today she was hopeful the Independents would support her call.