Today Senator Rónán Mullen called on the Government to stop targeting sick children. Speaking shortly after signing the Our Children’s Health petition, which was launched today in Dublin, Senator Mullen said that all children with a serious illness or condition should have full access to a medical card for the full duration of their illness.

“Last week I met with Seosamh Ó Laimhin and his parents in Foxford Co. Mayo. Seosamh is 16 year old who suffers from severe epilepsy, osteoporosis and autism. Seosaimh is confined to a wheelchair, and in the past month alone has spent three nights in hospital and has suffered over 20 seizures. His mother, Nuala told me how recently Seosaimh lost his medical card and she had to take on the system to fight for her son’s health care entitlements. Now she is concerned that he will lose it again.”

“It is appalling that special needs children are being deprived of medical cards when it ought to be more than obvious that health and welfare needs of particular children cannot be met without State support.”

“I am delighted today to sign the Our Children’s Health petition. No family should every have to worry about a sick child’s medical card being taken from them. I am calling on An Taoiseach and Minister James Reilly stop targeting sick children. I urge the Government to respond to the Our Children’s Health petition which is calling for full eligibility for health services should a child be diagnosed with a serious illness or congenital condition.”