Disability and medical cards a priority for Cowen

FINANCE Minister Brian Cowen yesterday indicated that medical cards and disability services will be top of the agenda for increased spending next year.

The minister gave his strongest indication yet that his plans will target socially inclusive measures, ahead of the publication on Thursday of the Book of Estimates for 2005.

Pledging to adopt a generous approach to medical cards, the minister said the issue is a priority for the Government, as is building upon the €2.5 billion being spent on disability services.