Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The medical card scheme is generally on an administrative basis with the exception of the 2001 Act relating to those over 70. Notwithstanding that, the practice is that when someone under 70 becomes a widow or widower the card is left with the person until the card has to be renewed.

The reason for the amendment applying from 1 January is that all these provisions apply from 1 January. I am not in a position to make it retrospective in advance of 1 January. The current practice of the HSE will continue on an administrative basis and the HSE will take all reasonable measures to ensure people in this position are not put at a disadvantage on the immediate death of the spouse.

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