FF TDs urged to oppose axing of cards

FIANNA Fáil backbench TDs are being challenged at the eleventh hour to vote against “profoundly unjust” laws to bring to an end the automatic entitlement to medical cards for over-70s.

The Dáil will vote today on the Health Bill bringing into law the most controversial aspect of the budget, which lead to the resignation of one Fianna Fáil TD, Joe Behan, and threatened a backbench revolt.

The vote will take place despite calls from the opposition not to “guillotine” the debate on the bill by cutting short the time to debate it in detail.