asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the Donegal County Council have refused to grant a medical card to a person (name supplied); and if, in view of the fact that this person has been in receipt of sickness benefit for the past two years, he will have the matter fully examined and grant him a medical card without further delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Medical Card.
32.
The answer to the first part of the question is "yes".
I am informed by Donegal County Council that they based their decision on the family circumstances. The determination of eligibility for medical cards is solely a matter for the local health authorities and I have no power to direct them to issue a medical card in any particular case.
However, in view of the circumstances of this case, I have asked the county manager to reconsider the applicant's eligibility for general medical services and I am hopeful that the result will be favourable. I will write to the Deputy when I hear shortly from the manager.