Allowing people to go blind outrageous, says Michael Healy-Rae

People in Ireland are going blind for want of a cataract operation costing €2,700, Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae has said.

He said people had been taken off the waiting list for cataract operations because they are going blind as “it has taken so long for their operations”.

The Kerry TD said "I personally know of people who have gone blind. I can give your their names, addresses and PPS numbers," he told Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald.

He said “to allow people to go blind because of €2,700, which is the cost of a cataract operation, is outrageous in a civilised society”.

Mr Healy-Rae also raised the issue of discretionary medical cards as he highlighted the case of a constituent who had been refused one, a decision upheld on appeal and under review.

The Kerry TD said the man suffered inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, had seen 22 consultants and attended Santry Sports Clinic weekly. The man needed regular botox injections to control the spasms and four times the normal amount of pain killer.

In an impassioned plea for more discretionary cards, Mr Healy-Rae said “I’m not a medical person but I’ve enough cop on to know that a person in this man’s situation and others like him and people who have cancer, that’s what a discretionary medical card is for.”

People needed the card when their illness was causing financial hardship to them. “That’s why they call them discretionary medical cards and I’m just asking for more discretion.”

Ms Fitzgerald, standing in for the Taoiseach on Leaders’ Questions, described the case as very distressing.

Greater discretion was being exercised by the HSE and this was shown in the rise in the number of discretionary cards from 52,000 to 106,000.

She stressed that the programme for government “commits to maintaining that humane approach to discretionary medical cards”.

Ms Fitzgerald pointed out that the legislation was clear that qualification for a medical card was means tested.

“And some people are not eligible because their income is too high but we want to see a humane approach,” she said.

The Tánaiste noted the case had been refused on appeal but given the details she suggested Mr Healy-Rae refer it to the Minister for Health.