Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 5

Written Answers. - Renewal of Medical Card for Deceased.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

136 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a medical card for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8, was renewed even though his Department was notified by the family that the parents were dead, and the medical card has apparently been renewed up to ten years after the death of the parents; if he has satisfied himself that correspondence to his Department from the family has been treated properly, speedily and effectively; the reason a review form was sent to the family ten years after the death of the parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The person in question wrote to my Department on 5 May 1993. As the issue of a medical card is a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board, my Department wrote informing him that the matter had been referred to the Eastern Health Board for their attention and follow up.

It would appear from the Deputy's question that the Eastern Health Board has not replied to the individual in question and I have now asked them to do so as a matter of urgency. I have also asked the board for a full report on the issue and I will communicate directly with the Deputy when this is received.