Ms Laverne McGuinness:

Deputy McLellan had a query about contacting the PCRS. A specific e-mail address has been set up for Oireachtas Members, oireachtas.pcrs@hse.ie, and all calls and e-mails are logged. I am disappointed that the Deputy has not received a response but she can engage directly with our head of customer services, Mr. Kieran Healy, who will look after her. I would also be happy to pursue the issue.

The eligibility criteria for discretionary medical cards have not changed. If the individual's circumstances have not changed it is difficult to see how the card would not be renewed unless he or she qualifies for a GP discretionary card, the threshold for which has increased to €19,000. The guidelines are quite generous over and above the finance threshold for normal medical cards in terms of taking account of medical conditions and circumstances. This is why there are additional numbers of medical cards.