TDs are part of the medical card problem
Rather it suggests we have a major problem in the way rights and benefits are delivered in this country. The self-interest of politicians seems to lie at the heart of the problem.
There are key flaws in the system. Firstly, TDs have voted themselves large allowances to run constituency clinics at times and places of their own choosing, instead of adequately investing in professionally-staffed information and support services at local level.
These TD clinics should more accurately be termed re-election offices.
Secondly, far too many rights and benefits must be applied for. This often means that those most in need fail to receive them, while those who do apply often believe they might need the local TD to pull some strings on their behalf.
TDs do nothing to disabuse their constituents and will happily claim credit for any positive outcome, regardless of whether they’ve made any representations at all, or simply passed on an application form.
Peter Molloy
Haddington Park
Glenageary
Co Dublin
