The CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland says up to half of children with the condition who have discretionary medical cards have either lost - or are at risk - of losing them.

Pat Clarke says people with Down Syndrome should automatically be entitled to medical cards, and the fear of losing them is a burden.

He has criticised the HSE's handling of the review and renewals process, which he says doesn't take into account the costs of frequent GP visits or speech and language therapy.

Down Syndrome Ireland CEO Pat Clarke told Newstalk's Breakfast families can't cope with further cuts: