Dáil to vote on motion seeking medical-cards reversal

The Dáil is due to hold a vote this evening on a Fine Gael motion calling for the reversal of changes to the automatic medical-card entitlement for people over the age of 70.

Following a week of intense criticism, the Government yesterday rowed back on its original decision to means test all over-70s in receipt of a medical card.

Instead, the means test will only apply to over-70s who seek a card after January 1.

The Government has also significantly increased the planned income thresholds to €700-a-week for single people and €1,400 for married couples.

Speaking during a debate on the Fine Gael motion last night, Health Minister Mary Harney defended the removal of the automatic entitlement to a medical card, saying the vast majority of older people would not lose any benefits.

Several Fianna Fáil backbenchers are understood to have threatened to vote in favour of the motion and it remains unclear if they are satisfied with yesterday’s changes.