Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Two issues were raised on medical cards. Deputy Naughten inquired about a differential approach to medical cards. First, I thought he was saying there should not be a differential approach but in fact he was saying the opposite, that the approach taken should have regard to region-specific issues such as access to services in one part of the country that are not available in another area. I am told that such considerations are taken into account and that even though the system has been centralised, the medical needs assessment is carried out on a regional basis in terms of whether a person is entitled to a discretionary medical card.

In response to Senator van Turnhout’s question on terminally ill children and the views of the Irish Hospice Foundation, I would be happy to get clarification on the point made. However, it must be reiterated that in the case of terminally ill persons, no means test applies to the application for a medical card and a card is provided within 24 hours of application. If that is not happening, I want to know about it.