Government accused of 'callousness' over medical card policy
The Government has been accused of "callousness" when it comes to awarding medical cards.
An expert panel is currently drawing up a list of medical conditions which should automatically qualify for a card.
However, the Department's new Minister, Leo Varadkar, has admitted plans to give cards to everyone with certain illnesses might never happen.
Fianna Fáil's health spokesperson, Billy Kelleher, said a more humane approach is needed.
"It shows the callousness of this Government's policy overall in terms of medical cards, and the fiasco that it was under Minister Jams Reilly," he said.
"What we need is a system that is flexible and humane, whereby people who qualify under the financial guidelines get their medical card automatically, and those that have illnesses or other serious distresses in life will be adjudicated in a compassionate and fair manner."
