Older people to voice opposition to medical-cards move
Hundreds of older people are expected to gather in Dublin today to voice their opposition to the Government's plan to remove the automatic medical-card entitlement from over-70s.
The lobby group Age Action Ireland has arranged a public meeting where those affected by the decision will be able to outline their concerns to politicians.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael will also table a private members' motion in the Dail today calling for a reversal of the decision to impose a means test on over-70s before they receive a medical card.
The party is hoping some Fianna Fáil TDs will break party ranks and vote in favour of the motion.
Last night, Finian McGrath became the second TD to withdraw support for the Government in protest at the medical-cards move.
The Independent TD says he was also concerned about cuts in education unveiled in last week's Budget.
His decision will put pressure on his fellow independents Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy-Rae, who have also expressed unease about the medical-cards issue.
