Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy never wants to hear the truth because he is afraid of it. The first test in the assessment process is whether, following the medical card and GP visit card national assessment guidelines, the applicant is within the income limit. If the applicant is above the financial threshold and there is evidence of medical circumstances or social circumstances applicable to the applicant which might result in great difficulties for this person or family in arranging GP, medical or surgical services, granting of eligibility to a medical card or a GP visit card on a discretionary basis remains a routine aspect of the eligibility assessment process. I confirm to the Deputy that there is no change in the policy or method of assessment. I invite the Deputy to give me the document with the list of people he mentioned.

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