Medical Card Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Questions (672)

Finian McGrath

Question:

672. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support a matter (details supplied) regarding a medical card refusal. [1301/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Under the legislation, determination of eligibility for a medical card is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, as the Minister has no role in this process, it would be inappropriate for him to interfere.

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

The HSE 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.

If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.