The medical cards controversy reignited last night with Independent TD Michael Lowry accusing the Labour Party of preying on the fears of the elderly over the issue.
Labour had questioned the assurances received by Deputy Lowry from the Government about the index-linking of income thresholds for medical cards.
Before Mr Lowry voted in the Dáil on the medical cards issue on Wednesday night, he sought written assurances from the Government that the income threshold for people over 70 qualifying for a medical card would not be eroded by inflation.
In a letter to the Tipperary North TD, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said he was happy to confirm that the thresholds will be reviewed annually to take cost of living increases into account over the lifetime of this Government.
But Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said a promise to review the thresholds did not commit the Government to actually increase them in line with inflation.
Mr Lowry responded by publishing the letter from Mr Lenihan, and accusing Labour of preying on the fears of the elderly by raising doubts on the issue.
A Labour spokesperson said the letter did not commit the Government to anything, and so did not change its position.
