Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We do not have a medical condition-based scheme. We have a means-based scheme. If the Oireachtas was to decide to change that, so be it but the fact is that the HSE must administer the scheme the Oireachtas puts in place, which is a means-based scheme. There is no way that the HSE has the power to act in a way that is outside the law. As the committee is aware, the medical condition enters into the equation because there is flexibility. Where somebody is above the means test limit and there is medical condition or illness that has an effect on their means and financial situation, that can be taken into account in respect of the award of a card on a discretionary basis.