Older people to outline concerns on medical cards

PROTEST MEETING:MINISTERS, TDs and senators have been invited to attend a public meeting in Dublin this morning where older people are to outline their concerns about the proposed changes to the medical card system for the over 70s.

The meeting, organised by Age Action, will provide individuals angered by the Government's decision an opportunity to tell policy makers why the card is important to them and how losing it would affect their lives.

Eamon Timmins of Age Action said he expected a "huge attendance"at the meeting following considerable a public and political outcry against the move, which he said the Government seemed intent on continuing with.

"The Government still appears to be proceeding with this approach which will deprive many older people of vital access to health care," he said. The meeting takes place in the Alexander Hotel on Fenian Street at 11am.

Meanwhile, the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament hopes thousands of people will attend a protest outside Leinster House at 12.30pm tomorrow against the proposed medical card system changes.

Maireád Hayes, senior parliament CEO, said the organisation had been inundated with calls and she is expecting a mixture of both young and older people from across the State to attend.

"We have had older people calling who are worried about what they will now be entitled and young people concerned that the decision will strain their parents health and finances and that they won't spend on health if they lose their medical card," she said.

Ms Hayes said many older people were calling for clarification of what they would and would not be entitled to should the proposed scheme go ahead.