With regard to medical cards, there seems to be a situation over the past month or so whereby the processing time has got longer, they are looking for more documentation and patients awarded medical cards for life are having their cards reviewed.

I have one constituent whose adult daughter has severe intellectual disabilities. She is her primary carer and her only income is disability allowance. A medical card review has been sought to see if her circumstances have changed. Unfortunately, this girl's circumstances will never change. This adds undue pressure and anxiety to certain families.

I also have a nurse who has been out of work over six months in receipt of cancer treatment and the amount of documentation requested is unbelievable. I have been assisting her every step of the way and every time we go back with something, something else is required. Is there a concerted effort by somebody to delay the issuing of medical cards? What is happening? People who need them are not getting them.

Hear, hear.

I will certainly talk to the Minister for Health. I picked up on one or two cases like that during the local elections recently when I was knocking on doors. That should not be happening. People with long-term disabilities or special needs, where it is clear there will not be any significant improvement in circumstances, should have long-term cards. It could save an awful lot of cost in administration not to pursue cases where the result will be the card needs to be retained and the person needs the card. I will follow up because I know the Deputy's ear is always close to the ground and if he is picking it up, something must be happening.