Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
594. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a person (details supplied) will receive the full health services equivalent to those provided under the health amendment act card as recommended by the Quirke report. [11554/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical services provided to women under the Magdalen Laundries Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme are underpinned by the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act, 2015.
While Justice Quirke recommended that the women should receive medical services equivalent to those provided by the holder of a HAA card, he also advised that not all of the services described in the Guide for people infected with Hepatitis C may be directly relevant to the Magdalen women.
Accordingly, the women are provided with an enhanced medical card (2015A Card) which allows them access to a range of medical services and to primary and community health services. These services are free of charge and include GP services, prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances, dental, ophthalmic and aural services, home support, home nursing, counselling services, chiropody, podiatry and physiotherapy.
There is no means assessment for any of the above services provided to these women. In addition, they are exempt from charges for acute in-patient services and out-patient services.
I am informed by the Department of Health that the person mentioned by the Deputy was issued with her 2015A medical card.
