Medical Cards.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2005

Tuesday, 18 October 2005

Ceisteanna (128)

Mary Upton

Ceist:

192 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a letter by the Health Service Executive stating clearly that medical card national assessment guidelines require terminally ill patients to be means tested before being given a medical card; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that despite letters such as these being sent that representatives of the Health Service Executive have denied this change has taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28809/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

There has been no change in the eligibility determination process. Since 2001 people who are aged 70 or over have a statutory entitlement to medical cards. Under the terms of the Health Act 1970, applications for medical cards for persons other than those in this group are a matter to be assessed and decided upon by the Health Service Executive, HSE, based on a range of measures including the household income, particular circumstances and medical needs in individual cases.

The HSE has indicated that applications from persons with a terminal illness have and will continue to be dealt with in as sensitive and compassionate a manner as possible, with the exercise of discretion directed towards the needs of applicants during what is a very difficult and stressful time for them and their loved ones.