Government accused of 'callousness' over medical card policy

The Government has been accused of 'callousness' when it comes to awarding medical cards.

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."

more courts articles

Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman
Coronation Street actor William Roache (91) given three months to settle tax debt Coronation Street actor William Roache (91) given three months to settle tax debt

More in this section

Convicted Garda killer Pearse McAuley found dead in Tyrone home Convicted Garda killer Pearse McAuley found dead in Tyrone home
'Overall responsibility' for prevention of drug trafficking rests with Revenue and gardaí, not Defence Forces  'Overall responsibility' for prevention of drug trafficking rests with Revenue and gardaí, not Defence Forces 
Investigation launched after discovery of woman's body in canal in Co Monaghan Investigation launched after discovery of woman's body in canal in Co Monaghan
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited