Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will take very seriously what the Deputy has said on this issue. Towards the end of his second contribution he distinguished between a decision on the basis of income, where the income categories are relatively straightforward and ascertainable and the person either satisfies the requirements or does not, and a discretionary decision. Where the discretionary aspect comes in, a decision is made on the basis of the HSE's additional jurisdiction to extend a medical card even in circumstances in which the person does not satisfy the income limits. When the HSE responds, it also indicates how the decision was concluded. That does not satisfy the Deputy in terms of what information should be given to the applicant on why he or she was refused. The applicant is told that he or she was refused but not why. I will undertake to examine that question. Could the Deputy indicate that his issue is that subset of persons who are relying on an application for a discretionary medical card? I will certainly consider that.

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