Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2012
509 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health, in view of an article in a newspaper (details supplied), if he will clarify the comments attributed to him and his Department in relation to the reactivation of medical cards when applications are pending, in view of the fact that no information is available from his own site or that of health update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12227/12]
View answer510 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health, in relation to the reactivation of pending medical card applications, if an announcement (details supplied) is correct, can he tell us how soon applicants or general practitioners can check the status of cards on line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12228/12]
View answer511 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health, in relation to the reactivation of pending medical card applications, if the recent announcement is correct, does this mean holders of expired cards can go to their pharmacies today to fill prescriptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12229/12]
View answer512 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health, in relation to the reactivation of pending medical card applications, if this announcement is correct, can he inform this Deputy, in cases in which applicants are ultimately successful, will the Health Service Executive compensate them for medical expenses incurred while a decision was pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12230/12]
View answer513 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health, in relation to the reactivation of pending medical card applications, if this announcement is correct, will there be a public information campaign to inform persons that they now no longer have to go without the medication they could not afford to buy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12231/12]
View answer514 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health, in relation to the reactivation of pending medical card applications, if this announcement is correct, if he will clarify the situation for those who did make an application but were asked again to submit further applications, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12232/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 509 to 514, inclusive, together.
Under a new procedure, a medical card will remain valid, irrespective of the expiry date shown on the card, once the medical card holder is genuinely engaging with the HSE review process. The medical card status of an individual can be confirmed by any doctor or pharmacist in their practice or pharmacy, or by the medical card holders themselves either on-line at www.medicalcard.ie or through their GP’s practice system. I have spoken to the HSE about the need for a public information campaign and the HSE will be taking steps in this regard very shortly.
515 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an explanation for the delay in the processing of a medical card application appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and when the individual concerned can expect a decision [12240/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
516 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an explanation for the delay in the processing of a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and when the individual concerned can expect a decision. [12241/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
517 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their medical card following their successful appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12248/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
