Austin Deasy
Question:7 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Waterford who is critically ill and has a permanent medical incapacity has not been granted a medical card. [10121/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
(Limerick East): I have had inquiries made of the South-Eastern Health Board concerning this case and have been informed that the health board is awaiting further information from the applicant's family to make a decision on this application. I have asked the board to communicate directly with the Deputy when a decision is made on this matter.
The problem is that you cannot depend on the health board to keep you informed. I lost confidence in the workings of the South-Eastern Health Board years ago. Is the Minister aware that this person is 45 years old and has been unwell since birth, as well as being epileptic? He has right of maintenance in the household and does some light work, for which the gets a small remuneration.
He has been seriously ill and in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin or Waterford Regional Hospital for the last four months, yet the South-Eastern Health Board will still not agree to issue a medical card although it knows the details of the case. The man's brother is not his keeper, he only has right of maintenance. This is a typical case where bureaucracy has reigned and no compassion has been shown either to the patient or his family. Will the Minister ask the health board for an explanation?
(Limerick East): The health board was already asked to provide the information as a result of Deputy Deasy's question. It got some of the information which was requested from the family of the person who is the subject matter of the question. The issue of a medical card is subject to a means test and a set of accounts were sought and not received. However, in view of what the Deputy has said, I will take it up again with the South Eastern Health Board to see if progress can be made.
I thank the Minister.