Taoiseach defends HSE plan for 50,000 fewer medical cards next year

The HSE is planning to issue 50,000 fewer medical cards next year.

Update 1.55pm: The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is defending the plans to cut the number of medical cards next year.

Mr Kenny has been quizzed on the issue in the Dáil, and he said: "As the Minister pointed out, with no change in the criteria and no review, 40,000 people moved out of the medical card sector last year.