I welcomed the changes announced yesterday by the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, concerning discretionary medical cards.

I particularly welcome his undertaking to ensure greater humanity and wider discretion at the core of this process. No two illnesses or sets of circumstances are ever the same for those looking for a medical card. I also welcome the Minister’s announcement that a person with a terminal illness is no longer required to reapply for a card. This stipulation was beyond comprehension. The Minister is to be commended in his far-reaching and sensible approach to this matter. Will the Leader invite the Minister for Health to the House to discuss the new criteria surrounding medical card eligibility?