Embarrassment As Medical Card Policy Scrapped

The Irish Government has admitted defeat and scrapped the plans for most over 70s to pay for their health costs.

Following a threatened backbench revolt, resignations, withdrawals of support and public outcry, the Taoiseach has reversed Mary Harney's policy.

The system has now been completely revised and will now see just the wealthiest 5% of over 70s losing their right to free medical care.

Only couples with incomes of more than €73,000 and single pensioners with incomes of over €36,500 will have to pay for their health treatment.

Mr Cowen said: "I regret the fact that this caused the anxiety and the stress that it did."

Joined by coalition partners, Health Minister Mary Harney and Green Party leader John Gormley, Mr Cowen added: "We have listened carefully to the concerns expressed by our own colleagues in the Government parties and the depth of feeling expressed by those aged 70 and over and others on their behalf.

"We regret the anxiety that was caused by the failure to communicate properly the fact that over 70% of pensioners over 70 would have been completely unaffected by the original proposal."

A statement issued by Brian Cowen further clarifies how ends will be met despite repealing the new policy.

"The Government have consulted the Irish Medical Organisation on the position arising from the Taoiseach's public statement.

"The IMO have, in the course of discussion, stressed the potential for significant savings in drug costs, without compromising on patient care."

Despite warnings from the Competition Authority that fee negotiations with GPs would result in a breach of competition law, Mr Cowen was able to announce that: "the Government have decided to introduce a new single capitation rate for participating doctors in the Medical Card Scheme who are caring for patients aged 70 and over".

He continued: "This will be payable in respect of all such patients, without distinction as to status.

"It is the intention of the Government to pursue appropriate amendments to Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002 to enable the representative body of GPs, the IMO, to represent its members …in a manner consistent with the public interest."

A debate on the medical card turn around is scheduled to take place in the Daíl later today.

(DW)