I wish to raise two issues, the first of which relates to an issue we debated earlier. It is proposed that the health (amendment) Bill will come before the House this session. We are all struck by the irony that at a time when we are to debate a Bill which proposes to give access to health services the HSE service plan envisages 40,000 fewer people being able to avail of medical cards. I refer again to the representations to all Deputies in regard to increased delays in obtaining medical cards and major difficulties in the area of discretionary medical cards. It would appear discretion has been completely abolished. I referred earlier to the situation of the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation.

I must remind the Deputy that we are on the Order of Business.

I ask the Taoiseach if in respect of the aforementioned legislation he will consider addressing the matter of discretionary medical cards, in particular in the area of palliative care and long-term or incurable illnesses.

The Deputy cannot deal with that issue now.