Medical Card Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Questions (1295)

Joan Collins

Question:

1295. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card was withdrawn in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person is entitled to a medical card as their income is below the limit; the reason the person is being discriminated against; if he will restore their medical card; if he will compensate them for the medical bills accrued since the medical card was withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36965/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Alex White)

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.