Vol. 404 No. 8
41 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if he will give a direction to all health boards to satisfy themselves that adequate notice is given to all medical card holders, including renewal forms, of the date of expiry of existing medical cards so as to avoid the possibility of medical cards being cancelled in respect of deserving cases.
As the Deputy is aware the issue of a medical card to any individual is solely a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board as provided for under sections 58 and 59 of the Health Act, 1970.
However, I understand from health boards that a medical card holder is issued with either a renewal form or a review form prior to the expiry of his/her medical card. In the event of this form not being completed and returned to the relevant health board, a reminder, and later a final notice, is issued before the withdrawal of any medical card.
Health boards make prior arrangements with local community welfare officers to assist persons not in a position to complete and return the form, such as the handicapped, blind persons etc.
Cardholders found not to be eligible on review are notified to that effect.
