The Taoiseach says a change must occur in the process of medical card renewals for people who are terminally ill.

The comments from Enda Kenny come after it emerged Marie Fleming - who is suffering from MS - was asked to prove that her condition had not changed.

Meanwhile the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore says the case of Ms. Fleming and her medical card shows the "cold system" needs to be addressed.

The partner of the Wicklow woman revealed the Health Service Executive (HSE) demanded documented proof that the terminally ill woman is dying as part of the medical card review.

However the HSE has now told Marie she can keep her medical card and that the request for documentation was only made as part of a routine procedure.

The Taoiseach says there are lessons for the HSE to learn arising from this case so people do not have to verify terminal illnesses, and Eamon Gilmore says he is not happy at the move.