Lowry to stay put after medical-cards climbdown

Independent TD Michael Lowry has said he is happy to maintain his support for the Government following the changes announced this morning to the over-70s medical-card scheme.

The Tipperary North TD says he had told the Government that he would be voting against the initial plan to remove the automatic medical-card entitlement from people over the age of 70.

However, he says he is happy with the changes announced this morning, which will mean current holders of over-70s medical cards will not have to undergo a means test.

The income thresholds that will apply to future applicants have also been increased significantly.