Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2013
734. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the links that are in place between the Health Service Executive and the Department of Social Protection and the Revenue to assist with means testing in determining persons eligibility when applying for medical cards or fair deal. [10284/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraLegislation is currently being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General and the Department which will provide a legal basis for the exchange of personal data between the HSE and the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection which will enhance the ability of the HSE to verify and audit the accuracy of eligibility status on the national medical card database.
The HSE has some links with the Department of Social Protection to assist with means testing in determining eligibility for the Fair Deal scheme. In a number of Nursing Homes Support offices, the HSE has access to the Department of Social Protection's IT system -which provide details of applicant's means. Information is shared in accordance with data protection legislation and social welfare legislation.
In regard to the HSE links with the Revenue Commissioners, there are no direct links between Revenue and the HSE to assist with means testing in determining a person's eligibility when applying for financial support under the Fair Deal Scheme.
