Over 100,000 new medical cards handed out this year

At least 111,000 new medical cards have been handed out this year, adding to the burden on health spending which was discussed at a special cabinet committee meeting yesterday.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny reassured the public that massive overspending by the HSE would be dealt with in a way that has minimal impact on patient care.

He met with Health Minister James Reilly as part of the Cabinet’s sub-committee on health, which also includes Finance Minister Michael Noonan, to discuss the HSE deficit, which stood at €280m at the end of May.