I thank the Deputy for her heartfelt request and for raising this important issue. I welcome the opportunity to update the House on this matter on behalf of the Department of Health. Under the Health Act 1970, eligibility for a medical card is based primarily on means. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without undue hardship, to arrange medical services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure. Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under medical card income thresholds, which are based on gross income. Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means-tested medical card thresholds, which are based on the applicant's household income after tax and the reduction of PRSI and the universal social charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account. In line with the legislation, the HSE is obliged to obtain relevant financial information and documents from applicants to facilitate due consideration of the assessable income and allowable expenses of individuals and families, and to assess these in order to determine their eligibility for a medical card. Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card. For example, emergency medical cards are issued to patients who are terminally ill, which the Deputy referred to, or are seriously ill and in urgent need of medical care they cannot afford. In these cases, a medical card is issued within 24 hours of receipt of the required patient details and completed medical form by a healthcare professional. These cards are not subject to a means assessment. Applications for a medical card and a GP card can be made online. This is the quickest method of getting the card. All of the required documentation that will assist in an application can be uploaded online with the application. Alternatively, an application form can be downloaded from the HSE's website or applicants can contact the HSE to request a paper form because we appreciate not everybody can avail of digitalisation. We often see that, especially with older clients who come to our offices. The completed forms can then be returned to the HSE by email or post. HSE staff are also available by telephone to answer questions from people who want to chat to them about their personal applications. Furthermore, the HSE medical card and GP visit card national assessment guidelines are available on the HSE website to provide information and assistance to applicants in making their application. In doing so, the HSE strives to have an application process for medical cards that is as streamlined and straightforward as possible for all applicants. According to the HSE, 189,391 medical card and GP visit card applications were processed between January and May of this year. Out of these, 175,151, or 92%, were approved at the first time of processing. Furthermore, 99% of all completed applications within the above timeframe are processed within 15 working days. However, if the HSE does not have all the information it needs, it will then contact the applicant to let him or her know what is missing. This can delay the processing of the application. I will refer again to the Deputy's comments on cancer patients. I agree that those facing that very difficult journey do not need the burden of financial constraints. To answer that, and I am sure the Deputy is aware of this, an emergency medical card can be issued within 24 hours.
Sentiment score: 0.04
As I outlined, eligibility for the medical card is primarily based on means and a financial assessment conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970. The HSE has put in place a range of measures to assist people in applying for the medical card, which includes the availability of medical cards online. All of this the Deputy knows. I concur with the sentiment of her proposition that for cancer patients and those who are facing that journey, a much quicker, faster and easier process should be in place for them.
Sentiment score: -0.10
I thank Deputy Brennan very much for his very eloquent, heartfelt and almost emotional contribution. He is speaking from experience in the aftermath of his visit out there. I know he has been very active and vocal on the occupied territories Bill at the committee, which is what he is seeking a response on today. I concur with the Deputy's comments about Senator Frances Black. She has done enormous work. She has worked in a very collegiate fashion with the Government and the leaders of the Government parties to bring this to fruition. On 24 June last, the Government approved the general scheme of the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (prohibition of importation of goods) Bill. The general scheme delivers on the commitment in the programme for Government to progress legislation prohibiting the import of goods from the settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory following the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 19 July 2024. The general scheme was referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade for pre-legislative scrutiny. These proceedings are currently ongoing. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade engaged with the committee on Tuesday, 1 July. I am conscious that the committee has heard from several legal and academic experts and representatives of the Jewish community in Ireland, as well as Israeli and Palestinian interest groups, and that further hearings may be scheduled. I commend the Chair and members of the committee for ensuring that a broad range of views and perspectives are being heard. The Government is committed to progressing the legislation. The views of the House on this legislation are well known and have been broadly discussed. At the same time, there are other voices and perspectives that are not as frequently aired in the political and public discourse here in Ireland. It is important that we are aware of these as we move forward. As the Tánaiste said very clearly last week, we in the Oireachtas want to pass the legislation in a fully informed manner, with our eyes wide open. It cannot be emphasised enough that the optimal policy scenario would be appropriate action at EU level. This has been, and continues to be, the focus of the Government's engagement. We regret that it has been necessary to move ahead of EU partners on a matter of such importance. The importance and relevance of addressing the illegal settlements was outlined in stark terms by several Israeli human rights organisations this week in a letter addressed to the EU High Representative in advance of the Foreign Affairs Council, which took place yesterday. Among several deeply concerning issues raised in the letter was the fact that the process for establishing and expanding settlements has been streamlined by the Israeli Government, leading to a record-breaking approval of 22 new settlements in May alone. They also noted the policy of granting near impunity. During yesterday's meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, Ireland echoed these concerns, as well as our deep concerns regarding the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for humanitarian access at scale and a ceasefire and a hostage release deal. Ireland was clear in reiterating the need for the EU to respond in an effective manner. Against this backdrop, it remains deeply unsatisfactory that no appropriate action has been taken by the European Commission as regards trade with illegal settlements in the face of such clear policy and legal imperatives. I again thank Deputy Brennan for his work and his contribution. He clearly knows where the Government stands on this issue, which is to progress this legislation as quickly as possible.
Sentiment score: 0.27
I concur with the Deputy’s sentiments. His parting thoughts leaving at the weekend were of the young people and the mentality of the young people having suffered what they had suffered. Yesterday, during Leaders’ Questions, we discussed the occupied territories Bill. The Taoiseach talked how if it were not for media and social media, we would be blind to much of what was happening. However, we are not blind. We do know, we are aware and we cannot ignore. On a Europe-wide level, Ireland has been head and shoulders above the rest. That is not to say it has been all satisfactory by any manner or means. The Deputy’s sentiment today is not just about the Bill, but the future, the rebuilding of Palestine and the two-state solution, which is what we think the answer is. Once a ceasefire and two states are achieved, it will be a question of how to put the resources into rebuilding Palestine and finding a way for those young people to recover and rebuild their lives. It will not be easy but I think that Ireland and all of the representatives across this House, both in government and opposition, care deeply about this issue and will work might and main to make that happen.
Sentiment score: 0.07
I thank the Deputy for his presentation. I concur, particularly with his opening piece on the vulnerabilities within Ireland. I disagree with him in the sense that he talked about the vulnerability. I sit on the trade forum established by the Tánaiste since the trade war, or the utterance of trade wars, began. All the Government agencies and State bodies, such as Fáilte Ireland and the IDA, as well as the IFA are around the table, working collaboratively in ensuring we are best prepared for whatever the future may hold. The vulnerability, in my humble opinion, is created by our geography more than anything else. We provide a gateway into Europe for all American companies in this land. We cannot change the geography but we can try to ensure that companies and businesses across this island are built with the resilience they need to cope with whatever we may face. That is certainly happening within the Government and with that collaboration piece I spoke about on the trade forum established by the Tánaiste. It is clear that one of the most immediate and serious challenges facing European policymakers today is the fundamental upheaval in the international trading system. The events of recent months have upended the trading order as we knew it, driven by a fundamental shift in how the world's largest economy has decided to conduct its trade policy, which is something we have no control over. Last weekend’s developments took place in that context. The letter from President Trump to President von der Leyen was deeply regrettable. A 30% tariff will have a significant effect on the Irish and wider European economies. It could be detrimental. However, the EU continues to negotiate with the US in good faith. The Deputy asked in his opening statement for cool heads. I think nothing else could be said of everybody around the European Union, given their cool, calm and reasonable approach against difficult headwinds. Notwithstanding the letter, the fact remains that the deadline for talks is 1 August. The EU is at the negotiating table and will remain there. Negotiations are at an advanced stage. Now is the time to redouble our efforts and seek to achieve positive results in the time available. The Government will continue to seek to protect our indigenous Irish businesses and our multinational companies from tariffs. As the Deputy also said in his opening gambit, tariffs are not just harmful to Irish companies. They are hugely harmful to the American economy as well. The Tánaiste is in ongoing communication with Commissioner Šefčovič and this will continue as we approach the deadline of 1 August. At the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) on Monday, the Commissioner outlined what had been the EU’s strategy since the outset of this dispute, which was to continue negotiations while, at the same time, preparing rebalancing measures, should they be required. The Irish Government and other member states strongly support this approach. EU unity is our greatest strength in these negotiations. The Commission has shared a revised list for a possible second set of countermeasures. No formal proposal has been presented to member states for consideration at this point. Officials are examining the list against our known sensitivities. Tariffs imposed by either side will cause pain. However, it is unfortunately already the case that Irish and EU exports to the US have faced additional tariffs since April. Let us remember that, to date, the EU has not imposed any tariffs on US goods and we do not want to, but we must be prepared to act if negotiations are unsuccessful. This is the sensible and measured approach.
Sentiment score: 0.08
The Tánaiste and other Ministers have been vocal and constructive voices at the table to ensure the EU's approach remains measured and appropriate. The Government's constant and consistent position has been, and remains, that we need substantive, calm, measured and comprehensive dialogue with the United States. This is also the position of the EU. Our objective remains to reach agreement on a mutually beneficial deal that works for both sides. A negotiated outcome is the best way forward and we are in close, ongoing contact with our EU counterparts at political and official levels as we approach the 1 August deadline. In the remaining time, the Government will continue to advocate for a deal that works for Ireland, Europe and the US. However, let me be absolutely clear that tariffs are economically damaging for all sides. They disrupt complex and highly integrated supply chains that benefit businesses, workers and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to pursue dialogue, to make the case to remove these tariffs and to assert our interests through the EU and directly with the United States. The Deputy has asked specific questions. I will try to get the information and revert with that. On market diversification, State bodies like the IDA and Enterprise Ireland are doing incredible work at the trade forum. Team Ireland is active on the ground in the United States. The diplomatic effort that is being made is not going unnoticed either.
Sentiment score: 0.32
I thank the Deputy for her emotional presentation. I know she is acutely aware of the requirements that should be in place. She has the experience of a school that is doing the job really well. As she asked, why fix something that is not broken? Her experience of this school has obviously been a positive one. The Government is committed to the provision of additional special school places for children with more complex educational needs. More than 300 new special school places have been and will be provided for in the coming 2025-2026 school year. Five new special schools are being established in addition to the 11 new special schools that opened over the past few years. Special school capacity has also been expanded across a number of existing special schools. It is important to note that it is not the intention to exclude children who require a special school place from accessing certain special school settings, but rather to allow children with complex additional educational needs apply for their local special schools. Currently, there are instances of children with complex needs not being able to apply for admission to their local special schools simply because they do not meet the narrow designation of those schools. In this regard, and along with providing additional special school capacity, the Department and the NCSE consider that it is necessary to look at the profile of our existing special schools. This is not a new departure. The NCSE reports that more than half of mild general learning disability special schools have diversified to allow children with more complex needs in their communities who require a special school setting to enrol in their local special schools. Many schools have worked with us to broaden their designations and this Department will continue to support schools in this endeavour so that more special schools can better support children with complex needs in their local communities. It is noted that many of the children enrolled in MGLD special schools do so around the transition point from primary to post-primary school. Historically, these children and young people may not have had a local post-primary special class available to them. Through the accelerated provision of new special classes in recent years some of these children and young people should now have the option of attending a local post-primary school with a special class. The new senior cycle level 1 and level 2 programmes offers a new curriculum pathway for students with additional and special educational needs at post-primary level also. The Department has asked post-primary schools to prepare and plan to provide at least four special classes each. The Deputy alluded to that in her opening statement - the decreased number of classes in secondary schools. I take on board everything the Deputy said today. I will relay her concern for this school and that it should not be, in any way, interfered with because the model works.
Sentiment score: 0.44
Deputy Ardagh has made the case well for Scoil Eoin. It is important that we, as public representatives, who have the opportunity to listen to the real-life stories of parents and teachers, such as in Scoil Eoin relay that to Department officials as well as the Deputy's sense that to make any change will dismantle something that works, that is good and that is providing the care and the educational atmosphere needed for these children to thrive, to be welcomed and, as she said, to be included. We all have a responsibility and the Deputy is taking that responsibility seriously. I will relay that to the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and ask that further negotiations, or at least further talks, be held with Scoil Eoin and that the experience of the teachers and the parents is number one in terms of any changes that may be pre-empted.
Sentiment score: 0.27