Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
477. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 951 of 17 May 2016, when the clinical advisory group will report on the development framework for assessment and measurement of the burden of disease; if there is a timeframe for the group's work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11622/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Clinical Advisory Group was established by the Director General of the HSE in January 2015 to provide clinical oversight and guidance to the operation of a more compassionate and trusted medical card system. Its establishment followed the completion of the work of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility. The 2014 "Keane" Report of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility found that it is not feasible, desirable, or ethically justifiable to list medical conditions for medical card eligibility. The membership of the Clinical Advisory Group includes clinical experts from specialist services and professions, as well as patient representatives. The Group reports to the National Director of Primary Care on a quarterly basis. The Clinical Advisory Group is continuing its work on the development of guidance on assessing medical card applications involving significant medical conditions. The Clinical Advisory Group continues to meet on regular basis and it is expected that the Group will make a report to the Director General of the HSE when it has completed its work in the near future.
