I am regularly contacted by people who have been diagnosed with cancer. The last thing they need when they get a devastating diagnosis like that is to have to fight for a medical card. Could the application process for a medical card for cancer patients be simplified? It would only be required for the duration of the treatment. Many patients also have to travel to receive treatment. In Cavan we often have to go to Dublin depending on the treatment. Because they are medically vulnerable, they do not feel like using public transport. There should be a free taxi service available to all people in these circumstances. One patient was told by a social worker in Dublin that you could only avail of supports for one session of treatment. That should not be the case. I am asking that these services be made available to everyone in the State regardless of geographical location or the number of treatments required?

Making such a provision for everybody in the State regardless of geographical location in cities and towns would be a very significant expansion, the impact of which would need to be fully researched. There are discretionary medical cards available and measures were taken in respect of a terminal cancer diagnosis. That discretion should be applied in cases that are presented to the health authorities.