Reilly: Coalition causing distress over vital health aid

Health Minister James Reilly has admitted the Coalition is inflicting "tremendous distress" on people through widespread medical card reviews, as the issue threatens to damage government party support in Friday’s elections.

Dr Reilly said the controversy over children with Down syndrome and adults with motor neurone disease or multiple sclerosis losing their cards “is not a place I want to be as a doctor or as a minister for health”.

Speaking at a launch of new services at the Mater Hospital, he said the Government is examining ways to change the system, and told vulnerable people the issue will be addressed in the coming months.