Medical Card Reviews

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2017

Tuesday, 9 May 2017

Ceisteanna (394)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

394. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when a reassessment of a medical card application by a person (details supplied) will be finalised; the reason the medical card section is requesting further financial information from the person despite the application being finalised and the request for review clearly seeking for the application to be reviewed on health grounds with a view to awarding a medical card on discretionary grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21507/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

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

The Health Service Executive 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 was issued to Oireachtas members.