Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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We find the biggest issue with the over 70s is that they are a much older age group and the medical card is very important to them, and that is not to negate its importance to others. As a cohort they are getting letters about reviews and in terms of this month, if they do not have the information in by 16 June, their card will be withdrawn by the end of June. There is a human story to this issue. Furthermore, and I want clarification on this point, they were not entitled to apply for a discretionary card until their over 70s card was withdrawn. Am I correct in saying, based on my understanding as of yesterday, that a person over 70 who does not pass the means test for an over 70s card can now apply for a discretionary medical card and hold their over 70s medical card for the duration of their discretionary medical card application process?