Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputies will note that the former Ombudsman was recently reported in the newspapers as stating that her officials' examinations of complaints about the removal of discretionary medical cards revealed nothing substantial had changed in regard to the regulations that applied. We do, of course, need to ensure that those most in need can qualify for the service. We also have an obligation under the legislation to ensure that those whose situations have improved are not using a service to which they are no longer entitled. To this end, a critical element of probity in medical card scheme is the ongoing review of client eligibility by the HSE. Deputy Browne referred to persons who received letters in regard to a review even though there was no change in their circumstances. If a person's circumstances have not changed, there will be no change in his or her eligibility. There is no issue in that regard.

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