According to reports it is understood that over 17,000 vulnerable pensioners have had their medical cards take off them them due to government cuts.
The outrageous move has angered Fianna Fail spokesman on disability, mental health and special needs Colm Keaveney who says the latest figures regarding cuts to pensioners is an “appalling betrayal.” Mr Keaveney comments come after the HSE recently released figures which show that a staggering 16,356 people over 70 have had their medical cards taken away from them in the last year.
Mr Keaveney told reporters: “I am surprised by these figures.“It’s an appalling betrayal of pensioners who have spent decades paying their taxes, raising their families and contributing to the country in every way possible.“Unfortunately these figures are just the latest example of what has become a sustained attack on older people at the hands of this Government.”
The news comes after the Health Minister Leo Varadkar recently revealed new proposals to provide free healthcare to those under the age of 18, a move which which most likely cause controversy given the fact that most pensioners are being forced to pay for their healthcare after receiving severe cuts in the previous budget.